Angelina Jolie Takes the Stage as Opera Diva Maria Callas in Emotional “Maria” Trailer

'Maria,' directed by Pablo Larraín, is on Netflix Dec. 11

Angelina Jolie is stepping into the spotlight.

Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria stars the Oscar winner as late opera singer Maria Callas. In the first teaser trailer, which debuted Thursday, Sept. 26, Jolie, 49, cries, rehearses and transforms into the iconic performer.

The film, according to a synopsis, "follows the American-Greek soprano as she retreats to Paris after a glamorous and tumultuous life in the public eye." Maria "reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days as the diva reckons with her identity and life."

Callas was an opera singer whose vocal range famously spanned three octaves, which made her an international star during the mid 20th century. She died in Paris in 1977 of a heart attack at age 53.

Related: Maria Reviews: What Critics Are Saying About Angelina Jolie's Transformation and Singing as the Opera Diva

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Larraín previously made two starry biopics: 2016's Jackie and 2021's Spencer featured Oscar-nominated performances from Natalie Portman as former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana.

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight wrote the script for Maria prior to 2023's Hollywood WGA strike, allowing for the movie to begin filming soon after that strike ended in September. Knight previously wrote Spencer.

The film, which had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in August, also stars Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alba Rohrwacher, Pierfrancesco Favino and Valeria Golino.

During a press conference at Venice, Jolie was asked how she feels about awards buzz for her performance, saying the "bar" for her on whether she "did good enough" is more the reaction from fans of Callas "and those who love opera."

"My fear would be to disappoint them," she said. "So, of course, all other things, in my own business, if there's a response to the work, I'm very grateful."

Maria is in select theaters Nov. 27, then on Netflix Dec. 11.

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