Disney is ramping up development of a “Maleficent” sequel, as Linda Woolverton is in talks to return to write the screenplay, an individual familiar with the project has told TheWrap.
Woolverton will write the script with the expectation that Angelina Jolie will reprise the title role in the live-action fairy tale, though she does not have a deal in place.
Joe Roth will return to produce the “Maleficent” sequel, though director Robert Stromberg is not expected to return.
Jolie is notoriously fickle when it comes to live-action sequels, preferring to focus her creative energy on original movies as both an actress and a filmmaker. Sony and Universal once planned sequels to “Salt” and “Wanted,” respectively, but Jolie hasn’t been keen on returning for either would-be franchise after the “Tomb Raider” sequel she starred in left a sour taste.
“Maleficent” grossed $760 million worldwide, making the sequel a high priority for Disney’s development team. At the moment, Jolie is in post-production on Universal’s “By the Sea,” in which she stars opposite real-life husband Brad Pitt.