Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)
- Before Angelina Jolie was cast, several major A-list stars turned down the lead role because they felt the script was too risky.
- Many of the practical effects used in the climax were achieved without any CGI.
- Eagle-eyed viewers have noticed a hidden easter egg referencing Joachim Rønning's previous film in the background of the opening scene.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is a 2019 American dark fantasy adventure directed by Joachim Rønning, the sequel to the 2014 film. Angelina Jolie returns as Maleficent, whose relationship with her goddaughter Aurora, now Queen of the Moors played by Elle Fanning, is tested when Aurora accepts Prince Philip's marriage proposal, bringing Maleficent into contact with Philip's mother Queen Ingrith, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, who harbors a secret hatred for fairies and a plan to wage war against the magical creatures. Michelle Pfeiffer's regal villainy as the scheming Queen Ingrith was the sequel's most entertaining addition, her icy composure masking genocidal intentions.
The film expanded the world-building with the discovery of an entire community of dark fey creatures living in exile. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil earned $491 million worldwide on a $185 million budget. The film demonstrated the enduring appeal of its franchise to global audiences and solidified its place in modern blockbuster cinema history.
