Angelina Jolie to play opera singer Maria Callas in new biopic

Pablo Larraín's new biopic Maria will be about the world famous, American-born Greek soprano singer Maria Callas, and Angelina Jolie is on board to play the lead role.

Variety reports that the biopic will tell "the tumultuous, beautiful, and tragic story of the life of the world’s greatest opera singer, relived and re-imagined during her final days in 1970s Paris."

Larraín said, "Having the chance to combine my two most deep and personal passions, cinema and opera, has been a long-awaited dream. To do this with Angelina, a supremely brave and curious artist, is a fascinating opportunity. A true gift."

Jolie added, "I take very seriously the responsibility to Maria’s life and legacy. I will give all I can to meet the challenge. Pablo Larraín is a director I have long admired. To be allowed the chance to tell more of Maria’s story with him, and with a script by Steven Knight, is a dream."