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Maleficent

Maleficent is a 2014 American fantasy film that reimagines Disney’s 1959 animated *Sleeping Beauty* from the perspective of the title character.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Maleficent is a 2014 American fantasy film that reimagines Disney’s 1959 animated *Sleeping Beauty* from the perspective of the title character. Directed by Robert Stromberg and starring Angelina Jolie, it presents Maleficent as a powerful fairy whose betrayal by a former lover drives the story. The film was released theatrically on May 30, 2014.

Premise

The film retells the *Sleeping Beauty* story by centring Maleficent, a powerful fairy who becomes hostile after a betrayal and casts a curse on Princess Aurora.

Production

*Maleficent* was directed by Robert Stromberg and written by Linda Woolverton. It was produced as a live-action Disney fantasy film and marked Stromberg’s first feature as a director.

Cast and characters

Angelina Jolie stars as Maleficent, with Elle Fanning as Aurora and Sharlto Copley as Stefan. The supporting cast includes Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, and Lesley Manville.

Reception and legacy

The film became notable as a villain-focused Disney feature and led to a sequel, extending the reinterpretation of the character beyond the original animated film.

Key facts

  • Live-action fantasy retelling of *Sleeping Beauty* from Maleficent’s point of view.
  • Angelina Jolie plays the title role of Maleficent.
  • Directed by Robert Stromberg in his feature directorial debut.
  • Screenplay written by Linda Woolverton.
  • Released theatrically in 2014 and later received a sequel, *Maleficent: Mistress of Evil*.
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Canadian context

The film was widely distributed in Canada as part of Disney’s global theatrical release and is familiar to Canadian audiences through cinema exhibition and home media availability.

Frequently asked questions

What is *Maleficent* about?
It is a retelling of *Sleeping Beauty* that follows Maleficent, showing her backstory, betrayal, curse on Aurora, and changing relationship with the princess.
Who plays Maleficent?
Angelina Jolie portrays Maleficent in the 2014 film.
Who directed *Maleficent*?
Robert Stromberg directed the film.
When was *Maleficent* released?
It was released in theatres on May 30, 2014.
Is *Maleficent* based on another Disney film?
Yes. It is a live-action reimagining of Disney’s 1959 animated *Sleeping Beauty*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maleficent_(film)
    Supports: 2014 American fantasy film, director, writer, cast, premise, and adaptation basis.
  2. Kiddle — https://kids.kiddle.co/Maleficent_(movie)
    Supports: Simple confirmation of release year, director, cast, and that it retells Sleeping Beauty from Maleficent’s perspective.
  3. SYFY — https://www.syfy.com/31-days-of-halloween/season-2016/blogs/maleficent-5-things-you-need-to-know
    Supports: Film as Disney's first release focused solely on a villain.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/maleficent
    Supports: Synopsis, release date, runtime, rating, and character-driven retelling.
  5. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/maleficent_2014
    Supports: Synopsis and theatrical release date.
  6. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1587310/
    Supports: Short plot description and identification of the film.
  7. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maleficent
    Supports: Background of the character and sequel mention.
  8. Fandom — https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Maleficent
    Supports: Character background in Disney canon and curse on Aurora.