Netflix's Maria is a biographical, psychological drama about the life of Maria Callas, one of the greatest performers of the 20th century. Premiering on Netflix on December 11, 2024, the film comes from acclaimed director Pablo Larraín, who previously brought us Spencer. Once again, he crafts a luscious blend of art, music, and sentiment.
The film offers an intimate and imaginative portrait of Callas during her final days in Paris. After a life spent in the spotlight, Callas grapples with her identity and searches for a voice away from the stage. Academy Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie stars as the legendary American Greek soprano, embodying the complexity and emotional depth of a woman navigating an intensely personal journey.
Kodi Smit-McPheeKey, Alba Rohrwacher, and other key characters in Netflix's Maria
The movie explores the final period of the renowned opera singer Maria Callas as she escapes to Paris. Here, she is looking to face the truth and her fame. The cast and their respective roles are as follows.
1) Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas embodies the spirit of a woman grappling with her identity and seeking her voice after years in the public eye. Her portrayal reflects Callas’s complexity and emotional depth.
Angelina Jolie is an Academy Award-winning actress for Girl, Interrupted (1999). She is well-renowned for her versatility and humanitarian work. She has starred in acclaimed films such as Changeling and Maleficent.
2) Kodi Smit-McPhee
Kodi Smit-McPhee portrays Mandrax, a confidant in Callas’s later years. His character offers rare moments of intimacy and understanding as he navigates a difficult emotional journey.
Kodi Smit-McPhee gained fame for his Oscar-nominated role in The Power of the Dog and his performances in Dolemite Is My Name, Let Me In, and X-Men: Apocalypse.
3) Alba Rohrwacher
Alba Rohrwacher plays Bruna, bringing to the opera diva all the emotional support and friendship, showing her a moment of warmth and solace during which she contemplates the legacy she leaves behind after reflecting on her past.
Alba Rohrwacher, the award-winning Italian actress known for Hungry Hearts and Happy as Lazzaro, has earned accolades such as the Volpi Cup at Venice
4) Pierfrancesco Favino
Pierfrancesco Favino takes on the role of Aristotle Onassis, the Greek shipping magnate and Callas's passionate and stormy love interest.
Favino, celebrated for his performances in Padrenostro and Adagio, is one of Italy’s leading actors and a Volpi Cup winner. His commanding screen presence adds depth to this complex relationship.
5) Valeria Golino
Valeria Golino portrays Yakinthi Callas, Maria's loyal assistant, who serves as a grounding force in the diva's final days in Paris. Valeria continues to captivate audiences with her role, which showcases her enduring versatility.
Valeria Golino, recognized for her roles in Rain Man, For Your Love, and The Beautiful Game, has had a successful career in European and Hollywood cinema.
Supporting cast in the film
Here is the list of supporting cast members in Maria.
- Stephen Ashfield as Jeffrey Tate
- Caspar Phillipson as John F. Kennedy (JFK)
- Lydia Koniordou as Litsa Callas
- Vincent Macaigne as Doctor Fontainebleau
- Angelina Papadopoulou as Young Maria Callas (1940)
- Erophilie Panagiotarea as Young Yakinthi
Maria (2024) will premiere on Netflix on December 11, 2024.