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Maleficent: Watch the operatic first teaser
The first glimpse at the live-action prequel/remake to 1959's Sleeping Beauty is heavy on mood and light on story
When it comes to Hollywood reboots, dark and gritty has become the status quo — but do we really need a dark and gritty reboot of Disney's Sleeping Beauty? It's a question that has followed Maleficent since it was first announced, and the film's just-released teaser trailer gives audiences their first chance to judge for themselves.
This brief, operatic glimpse of Maleficent is light on story and heavy on tone. "I know who you are. You've been watching over me my whole life," says Elle Fanning's Princess Aurora. "I know you're there. Your shadow has been following me ever since I was small. Don't be afraid."
"I am not afraid," replies a theatrical Angelina Jolie as she steps from the shadows, warning Aurora that she's the one who will be afraid — a sentiment that any young children in the audience might share.
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But beyond the horns and the CGI thorn patch she conjures up, it's impossible to tell how much Jolie is bringing to this starring role. In recent years, Disney has showed renewed commitment to its live-action movies, with major hits like Alice in Wonderland and Oz: The Great and Powerful under its belt. Consequently, Maleficent will serve as both prequel and live-action remake for the 1959 animated classic, and will double as a kind of litmus test for the long-time viability of projects like this as Disney looks forward. Will Maleficent be able to do for Sleeping Beauty what Wicked did for The Wizard of Oz? We'll find out when it hits theaters next summer.
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Scott Meslow is the entertainment editor for TheWeek.com. He has written about film and television at publications including The Atlantic, POLITICO Magazine, and Vulture.
