Disney has released an updated synopsis for its upcoming origin story "Maleficent," about the iconic "Sleeping Beauty" villain, which paints the antagonist in a more sympathetic light than her introduction in the 1959 animated film.
The titular villainess is played by Angelina Jolie in this new live-action version, and judging by the plot, it sounds like Jolie will have a lot of fun with the part. The story revolves around Maleficent, who's described as "a beautiful, pure-hearted young woman" who "has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land."
That event turns Maleficent's world upside down, and as the release states, becomes the springboard for her transformation from kind-hearted young woman into evil sorcerer:
"Maleficent rises to be the land's fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal -- an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading king's successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom -- and perhaps to Maleficent's true happiness as well."
Sounds like a fun twist on a classic tale. "Maleficent," which also stars Jolie's 4-year-old daughter Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, opens July 2, 2014.
[via Flickering Myth]
