Maria 2024: Cast and Real-Life Character Comparison Guide

Netflix’s highly anticipated biopic Maria is set against the backdrop of 1970s Paris, featuring the acclaimed actress Angelina Jolie in the lead role. Known for her remarkable performances in films like Maleficent, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and Girl, Interrupted, Jolie makes her much-awaited return to the big screen after her last appearance in Marvel’s 2021 blockbuster, Eternals. This hiatus allowed her to dedicate more time to her six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne.

Maria tells the poignant story of the renowned opera singer Maria Callas during her final days, showcasing her struggles with health and the passage of time. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of her devoted butler Ferruccio and her maid Bruna, who navigate the complexities of Callas’s life as her vitality wanes. Directed by acclaimed Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín, known for the films Spencer (2021) and Jackie (2016), Maria premiered at the 81st Venice Film Festival in August 2024 before becoming available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.

Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas

Biography: Angelina Jolie, age 49, is not only an actress of significant acclaim but also a passionate director and humanitarian. After her feature film debut in 1982 with Lookin’ to Get Out, she gained critical acclaim, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Girl, Interrupted (1999). She has since headlined blockbusters like Maleficent and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, while also lending her voice to animated features like Kung Fu Panda.

Character: In Maria, Jolie embodies the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, capturing both her brilliance and her vulnerability in the twilight of her life.

Kodi Smit-McPhee as Mandrax

Biography: Kodi Smit-McPhee, a 28-year-old Academy Award nominee from Australia, makes a significant mark in the film industry with his diverse roles. He gained recognition after starring in The Road (2009) alongside Viggo Mortensen and has since appeared in notable films such as X-Men: Apocalypse and The Power of the Dog, the latter earning him an Oscar nomination for his role as Peter Gordon.

Character: In Maria, Smit-McPhee portrays Mandrax, contributing to the film’s exploration of complex relationships during a poignant period in Callas’s life.

Pierfrancesco Favino as Ferruccio

Biography: Pierfrancesco Favino, a seasoned Italian actor at age 55, is celebrated for his impactful roles in international films like World War Z and Rush. His career spans several genres, and he gained further visibility through his portrayal of Christopher Columbus in Night at the Museum series.

Character: Favino plays Ferruccio, Maria’s loyal butler, reflecting deep connections that underscore the narrative’s emotional weight.

Alba Rohrwacher as Bruna

Alba Rohrwacher and Angelina Jolie in Mary

Biography: Alba Rohrwacher, a 45-year-old Italian actress hailing from Florence, has made her mark with roles in acclaimed films such as Hungry Hearts and I Am Love. Recently, she has lent her voice as the Narrator in the successful series My Brilliant Friend.

Character: In Maria, Rohrwacher portrays Bruna, Maria’s devoted maid, showcasing the intimate dynamics of caregiving and support in Callas’s later years.

Maria’s Supporting Cast & Characters

Haluk Bilginer as Aristotle Onassis: Known for his roles in Halloween and The Veil, Bilginer plays the influential shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, a pivotal figure in Callas’s life.

Stephen Ashfield as Jeffrey Tate: Ashfield is recognized for his performances in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and The Devil’s Hour, portraying Tate, an important character in the unfolding drama.

Valeria Golino as Yakinthi Callas: Best known from films like Rain Man and Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Golino takes on the role of Callas’s mother, adding depth to the narrative.

Caspar Phillipson as JFK: Phillipson reprises his role as John F. Kennedy, building on his previous portrayals in Jackie and Maria.

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