For nearly a decade, Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent has stood as one of Disney’s most iconic live-action properties. The darkly enchanting reimagining of Sleeping Beauty captivated audiences in 2014, offering a fresh take on the infamous villain, and its 2019 sequel, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, further cemented the franchise’s success. Despite amassing a combined $1.248 billion worldwide, news surrounding a potential third installment has been scarce—until now. A recent update has reignited speculation about Maleficent 3, signaling that the long-anticipated sequel is still very much in Disney’s plans.
The Unexpected Confirmation That Maleficent 3 Lives On
While Maleficent 3 was confirmed to be in development back in 2021, little concrete news has surfaced since. However, in a recent Deadline report covering writer Linda Woolverton’s involvement in the upcoming animated series Hundred Acre Wood’s Winnie and Friends, it was casually mentioned that Woolverton is attached to pen Maleficent 3.
Woolverton’s involvement is significant, as she wrote the original 2014 Maleficent and co-wrote Mistress of Evil alongside Noah Harpster and Micah Fitzerman-Blue. While Disney has yet to make a formal announcement, this is the strongest sign yet that the studio remains committed to expanding the Maleficent saga.
Why Maleficent 3 Makes Sense for Disney Right Now
In an era where Disney’s live-action remakes have faced mixed results, Maleficent 3 could be the breath of fresh air the studio needs. Recent projects, such as the recently released Snow White, has seen challenges, including a ballooning $250 million budget and extensive delays. However, Maleficent remains a proven box office draw, with its unique villain-centric storytelling and Angelina Jolie’s magnetic performance continuing to resonate with audiences.
Jolie, a Hollywood powerhouse with an Oscar-winning career spanning decades, has redefined Maleficent as a layered, complex antihero rather than a one-note villain. In a December 2023 interview, she confirmed her intention to return for the sequel, further strengthening the likelihood of its eventual production.
What’s Next for Maleficent 3?
While this update doesn’t guarantee that production will begin imminently, it does reaffirm that Maleficent 3 is still in active development. The confirmation of Woolverton’s involvement suggests that the script may be progressing behind the scenes, potentially paving the way for a more official announcement in the near future.
Disney’s strategy moving forward will likely depend on market conditions and box office trends. With audiences showing continued excitement for villain-driven narratives, Maleficent 3 could emerge as a major tentpole release for the studio. Given the franchise’s past success, it wouldn’t be surprising if Disney accelerates the project, especially as it looks to reignite momentum in its live-action slate.
A Sequel Worth Waiting For
Few Disney properties have made as lasting an impact as Maleficent. The first two films blended breathtaking fantasy, emotional depth, and powerhouse performances, elevating the character far beyond her animated origins. If Maleficent 3 builds on that foundation, it has the potential to deliver a spellbinding conclusion to the franchise—or an exciting new chapter in its legacy.
With Angelina Jolie’s return and Linda Woolverton’s storytelling expertise, the Dark Fairy’s reign is far from over. As fans anxiously await further details, one thing is for sure — when Maleficent 3 does arrive, it’s sure to cast its spell over audiences once again.
