Casting on Disney’s Maleficent 2 continues full steam ahead today, as Variety brings word that Jenn Murray, who you may know from her role as Chastity Barebone in Warner Bros.’ Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, has climbed on board the sequel. Further details weren’t disclosed at the time of writing, but should a deal place, she’ll be just the latest headline-worthy addition to the blockbuster.
The other week, for instance, we told you that Harris Dickinson (Trust) had signed on to play the prince – presumably at the expense of Brenton Thwaites, who’s now fully committed to the live-action Titans series, which is heading to WB’s newly-unveiled DC Universe.
Circling back to Maleficent 2, though, and we know that Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning are both expected to return for more fantasy-fuelled hijinks, with newcomer Ed Skrein (Deadpool) attached to one of the sequel’s villains and Doctor Strange star Chiwetel Ejiofor also in talks for a sizable part.
As far as plot details go, neither Disney nor director Joachim Rønning have given much away, so it’s unclear as yet whether Maleficent 2 will pick up directly after the events of its predecessor or, on the other hand, incorporate some form of time-jump into its magical narrative. What we do know, though, is that the Mouse House has hired Linda Woolverton (Maleficent) and Spectre co-writer Jez Butterworth to pen the script, so there’s no question that the sequel is in safe hands.
Disney has yet to settle on a firm release date for Maleficent 2, but we’ll be bringing you all the latest on Joachim Rønning’s fantastical sequel as it begins to come together. Next up for the studio’s fairytale output, though, is Mary Poppins Returns, which sweeps Emily Blunt off her feet and into the sky this Christmas.