Maleficent (Franchise)

Maleficent (2014) is a live-action retelling of Disney’s *Sleeping Beauty*, starring Angelina Jolie as the iconic villain and exploring her origins. Directed by Robert Stromberg, the film was developed over several years, filmed in England, and released by Disney in May 2014. Despite mixed reviews, it was a major commercial success, grossing over $758 million worldwide, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design, and spawning the 2019 sequel *Maleficent: Mistress of Evil*.