One of the best Disney villains; Maleficent, is about to return to cinema screens later on this year. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see what is in store for her….

D23 Expo 2019

On the 24th August 2019 at the D23 Expo 2019, Alan Horn, Co-Chairman and chief creative officer of Walt Disney Studios, presented upcoming Disney movies set for release to a packed audience. Fans were treated to previews of those movies and television, some that are arriving in the (not so distant) future.

“You’re not just fans, you’re family. It’s because of you that we keep working so hard to make great movies, and we love D23 Expo because it’s where we can share them with you first.” 

Alan Horn at D23, 2019 at Anaheim Convention Centre.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

One of the highlights came when Sean Bailey (president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production) introduced Angelina Jolie. They presented exciting footage and details about the upcoming release of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. Alongside Jolie, Bailey welcomed Elle Fanning (Aurora,) Chiwetel Ejiofor (Connal – an ally for Maleficent,) and Michelle Pfeiffer (Queen Ingrith – Prince Philips Mother) to the stage.  In addition, the cast showed an exclusive clip from the movie to an excited audience.

Maleficent Mistress of Evil
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 24: (L-R) Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer of ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ took part today in the Walt Disney Studios presentation at Disney’s D23 EXPO 2019 in Anaheim, Calif. ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ will be released in U.S. theaters on October 18, 2019. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

Elle Fanning was just 14 when she filmed Maleficent, and has consequently grown up alongside her character. It will be interesting to see how her relationship with Maleficent has evolved over the course of the two films. I for one will be interested to see how the dynamic between them evolves in Mistress of Evil. Especially with the the latest trailer showing more of Maleficents evil side.

 “I have grown as a young woman and getting to revisit her at this special time in her life and experiencing the things that I myself am experiencing now is really extremely special.”

Elle Fanning talking at D23, 2019.

A Family Saga.

An enthusiastic audience eagerly listened to the details about the forthcoming release. Within the film we look set to explore the relationship between Maleficent and her God-daughter. It looks like Aurora and Maleficent must forge new alliances to combat new enemies. All whilst having to manage with Queen Ingrith questioning Maleficents’ role within Aurora’s life.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 24: (L-R) Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Chiwetel Ejiofor of ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ took part today in the Walt Disney Studios presentation at Disney’s D23 EXPO 2019 in Anaheim, Calif. ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ will be released in U.S. theaters on October 18, 2019. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

“We really pose the question and fight for the belief that what is different makes you stronger. And what is family and what defines family is what you believe in and how you love and what you stand for—it’s not just blood, and it’s not because you’re the same.”

Angelina Jolie talking at D23, 2019.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, arrives in theaters on October 18th 2019. The sequel, from director Joachim Rønning, certainly looks to be ‘wicked fun.’

Source: D23 Expo.