Casting on Disney’s Maleficent II is complete it seems, as the studio has announced that production is now underway. To prove it, they’ve also brought us the full cast list in addition to the first plot synopsis, which sheds a bit of light on what direction the sequel will be heading in.
As expected, Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning are both returning for more fantasy-fuelled hijinks, with newcomer Ed Skrein (Deadpool) attached to one of the villains and Doctor Strange star Chiwetel Ejiofor on board as well. That’s already a hugely impressive roster, but beyond those individuals, Maleficent II will also make room for Robert Lindsay (Galavant), Michelle Pfeiffer as Queen Ingrith and Harris Dickinson (Trust) as Prince Phillip, while several folks from the first film – such as “Sam Riley as Diaval; Imelda Staunton as the pixie Knotgrass; Juno Temple as the pixie Thistlewit; and Lesley Manville as the pixie Flittle,” will all return as well.
As far as plot details go, the sequel will pick up several years after its predecessor and explore “the complex relationship between the horned fairy and soon to be Queen.” Here’s how the synopsis reads:
A fantasy adventure that picks up several years after “Maleficent,” in which audiences learned of the events that hardened the heart of Disney’s most notorious villain and drove her to curse a baby Princess Aurora, “Maleficent II” continues to explore the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen, as they form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within.
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.