Angelina Jolie recently revealed her initial shock and apprehension upon discovering she had to sing opera for her role in the upcoming biopic Maria. Known for her versatility and bold choices, the Hollywood star admitted she underestimated the challenge, believing singing in films would be relatively simple.
In an interview with Best Magazine, the Maleficent actress shared, “I made the mistake in the beginning of thinking, when [the director] asked me to sing a little, ‘I like movie singing. I could sing a bit, I guess.’” However, Jolie’s perception quickly shifted when she learned she wouldn’t just be singing casually but was expected to perform opera.
“I very quickly realized that you can’t fake sing opera,” she explained. “Not that I wanted to fake sing anything, but I didn’t really think I was going to be asked to actually sing.”
Jolie, 49, recalled her disbelief when director Pablo Larraín not only insisted on authentic opera singing but also brought in a professional opera coach to guide her. “I didn’t quite believe it was real until I found myself standing in a room with Pablo, and he introduced me to my opera teacher. That’s when it hit me.”
The experience was overwhelming for Jolie, who admitted to breaking down in tears during her first lesson. “I started crying because it was so daunting. It felt like an impossible task,” she confessed.
The film, set for release in 2024, is a deeply personal project for Jolie. Directed by Larraín, Maria explores the life of renowned opera singer Maria Callas, capturing her extraordinary journey and struggles during the 1970s. Known for her emotional depth and unmatched vocal artistry, Callas remains an icon in the world of opera, making Jolie’s role all the more demanding.
Despite the challenges, Jolie’s dedication to portraying Callas authentically underscores her commitment as an actress. Fans eagerly await her performance, curious to see how she brings the legendary singer’s story to life on the big screen. For Jolie, Maria represents one of her most ambitious and transformative roles to date.