A sequel for "Maleficent" is reportedly in the works as Disney managed to convince the first film's writer, Linda Woolverton, to reprise her role for the live-action fairy tale, according to Variety.
While the film's star and holder of the titular role, Angelina Jolie, is yet to confirm whether she will be returning for "Maleficent 2," the studio appears to be quite confident on her agreement to once again don the huge wings and horns. Although no actual deal is in place for the return of their lead star, The Wrap reports that Woolverton is penning the script with the "expectation" that Brad Pitt's wife will once again be showcased in the lead role. Apart from Woolverton, the film will also be welcoming the return of Joe Roth as the movie producer. Meanwhile, Robert Stromberg is still to be confirmed as the director for "Maleficent 2."
Fans and followers of the franchise may argue that a sequel should not even be a question especially with the box office success of "Maleficent" in 2014. However, Deadline points out that Jolie has been known to be extremely fickle when it comes to creating sequels for her films. The report notes that the actress turned down the offers to once again star in some of her successful ventures such as "Wanted" and "Salt."
While her previous decisions regarding sequels might seem to be indicative of another rejected project by the "Unbroken" director, Jolie seems to not have completely closed the door on making another "Maleficent" film.
"Possibly," Jolie told USA Today, responding to the question on whether a sequel of "Maleficent" is a possibility especially with the success of the first film. "I don't know. I enjoyed it," she added. "I just feel like we did this one thoroughly and I don't think there'd be another. I feel like this is the one, if I was going to ever do a Disney one, this is the one I wanted to do. And I think we've done it well," she explained.
In addition to "Maleficent," Woolverton has been known as the mind behind the reimagining of "Beauty and the Beast," "The Lion King," "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey," "Alice in Wonderland" and its upcoming sequel "Through the Looking-Glass," according to Variety.
