The Hollywood Reporter reveals that actresses Imelda Staunton and Miranda Richardson (both of whom appeared in various
Harry Potter films) are set to join
Maleficent, Walt Disney’s live action re-telling of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale that stars Angelina Jolie as the title character. Kenneth Cranham (
Made in Dagenham), Sam Riley (
Brighton Rock) and Lesley Manville (
Another Year) are also joining the cast. In addition, the site confirms that Elle Fanning (
Super 8) is confirmed to play Aurora, while Sharlto Copley (
District 9) will play Stefan (described as
"the half-human, half-fairy bastard son of the human king.")
Concerning who the actors are playing, THR says that
"Staunton and Manville are playing Knotgrass and Flittle, respectively, two of the three pixies that end up taking care of Aurora. Richardson will play Queen Ulla, a Fairy Queen who is Maleficent’s aunt with a dislike of her niece. Cranham will play the human king who plots to conquer the fairy kingdom. Riley takes the role of Diaval, a raven who changes into human form and is Maleficent’s right hand." The film is the directorial debut of Robert Stromberg (
Alice In Wonderland), and is set to begin production this summer.
Maleficent is set to hit theaters March 14th, 2014.
UPDATE: Another piece of casting news here.
Variety reports that India Eisley (
The Secret Life Of The American Teenager) will play a younger version of Maleficent in the opening act of the film, which establishes the character's role in the kingdom's hierarchy.
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