Linda Woolverton To Write ‘Maleficent’ Sequel: But Is Angelina Jolie On Board?

The production of a Maleficent (2014) sequel is in the works and Disney has hired famed screenwriter Linda Woolverton (The Lion King) to work on the next blockbuster.

Linda Woolverton Writes ‘Maleficent’ Sequel, Angelina Jolie Still In Talks

The 2014 Disney film Maleficent is a dark action re-imagined fantasy of the 1950s animated Disney movie Sleeping Beauty. However, the 2014 film reveals the story from the perspective of villainess Maleficent, voiced by Angelina Jolie. Jolie’s portrayal led Maleficent straight to the top, as it grossed over $758 million worldwide – the fourth highest-grossing film of 2014.

Deadline reported on Monday that Disney has begun working toward a sequel to Maleficent, but it seems Disney has not yet secured a contract with its star actress.

Jolie appeared in the films Salt (2010) and Wanted (2008) but opted out of the sequels for both blockbuster hits. Yet, Deadline mentions that the studio is keeping Jolie in the loop and that the sequel will be written for her to reprise.

Joe Roth is also back as the film’s producer, and it’s unclear whether Robert Stromberg will be back. He’s the Oscar-winning production designer who made his directing debut.

“I loved being Maleficent. I was quite sad to put my staff down and put my horns away because somehow, she just lives in a different world,” Jolie told E! last year. “But I did have to take my staff home to practice walking with it in my cloak, and then I would go outside and scream at the bushes to expand my voice and play with my voice. So, mom was a bit nutso for a period,” Jolie recalled.

Looks like there just may be hope Jolie reclaims her role. In the meantime, watch out for more updates on the new Disney sequel.