Angelina Jolie-led biographical drama Maria sets filming location

Director Pablo Larraín’s Angelina Jolie-led biographical drama Maria is set to shoot in Budapest, Hungary this autumn.

The film chronicles the "world's greatest opera singer", Maria Callas.

Filming is slated to start in October this year and wrap in December on location in Budapest, according to local outlet Budapest Reporter.

Jolie will portray the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, about her last years spent in sad solitude in Paris.

The three-time Golden Globe winner joins Larraín’s catalogue of biographical dramas — following Natalie Portman's portrayal of Jackie Kennedy in 2016 and Kristen Stewart's Princess Diana in 2021's Spencer.

Speaking to Variety in June this year, the director spoke about his passion for bringing real female icons' stories to the big screen.

“I’m extremely happy to have a chance to conclude this process of depicting women who changed the fate of the 20th century, culturally speaking”, Larrain told the outlet. “But”, he added, “admiration is not enough to make a movie. And obviously, getting to the process, as I have done before with both Natalie and Kristen of listening to them and following them. I don’t have the skill to comprehend the character until a great actress – and in this case Angelina – comes up with their take. To do this with Angelina, a supremely brave and curious artist is a fascinating opportunity. A true gift.”

Speaking about portraying the opera singer, Jolie added: “I take very seriously the responsibility to Maria’s life and legacy. I will give all I can to meet the challenge. Pablo Larrain is a director I have long admired. To be allowed to tell more of Maria’s story with him, and with a script by Steven King (who also penned Spencer), is a dream.”

Apartment Pictures produces the biopic alongside Germany's Komplizen Films, and US-based Fremantle Media Company (where Jolie has a multi-picture deal). Maria is jointly produced by Pablo Larrain and his brother Juan de Dios Larrain.