Disney Confirms ‘Maleficent’ Sequel 

Sharpen your cheekbones, “Maleficent” fans! The mistress of all evil is back. 

Disney is prepping a sequel to their big-budget origin story, Access Hollywood confirmed on Tuesday. The studio has secured a deal with screenwriter Linda Woolverton to pen a follow-up to the 2014 blockbuster, which grossed nearly $760 million worldwide. Star Angelina Jolie, meanwhile, is being reportedly kept “in the loop” throughout the early development phase. 

Although there’s no definite word on whether the actress will reprise her role as the cunning sorceress, the project is being crafted with her in mind. Angelina is known for being selective when it comes to potential franchises, having passed on sequels for both “Salt” and “Wanted” after her “Tomb Raider” series failed to ignite. 

PHOTOS: Angelina Jolie: Then & Now

Disney, however, has found more recent success with live-action adaptations of fairy tale classics. Earlier this year, Kenneth Branaugh’s “Cinderella” debuted to stellar reviews and box office success. 

Angelina told Access Hollywood at the “Maleficent” premiere in 2014 how important it was to make sure her dedication to the role translated to audiences. 

READ: Angelina Jolie On Why Shiloh Turned Down ‘Maleficent’ Role, Working With Vivienne

“I love this character,” Angelina gushed. “We did it as a team and Linda [Woolverton] wrote a beautiful script and I just tried to do my best to give everybody what they expect from her, ‘cause I certainly loved her when I was a kid and I didn’t want to disappoint the fans. I figured if I was having fun, they’d have fun.”

Fans would surely be disappointed if Angelina bows out, but in addition to Woolverton’s return, “Maleficent” producer Joe Roth has also signed on for the new film. 

Here’s hoping Maleficent’s spell over Angelina hasn’t been broken yet. 

–– Erin Biglow