Stories from the set

Tim Burton was originally supposed to direct the film.

Angelina Jolie admitted that her makeup and costume made her look so terrifying that she genuinely frightened the children on set. One child even said, "Mom, please ask that evil witch not to talk to me." Only Jolie's daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, who plays young Princess Aurora, was not scared.

Jude Law was considered for the role of King Stefan.

This is the first Disney film for many of the actors, including Angelina Jolie, Imelda Staunton, Sharlto Copley, Brenton Thwaites, Juno Temple, and Elle Fanning.

The cinematographer of "Maleficent" was Dean Semler, who shot Angelina Jolie's directorial work "In the Land of Blood and Honey" (2011).

Angelina Jolie said that she grew up on Disney studio cartoons, and she especially liked "Sleeping Beauty" (1959). She also said that the character of Maleficent had always terrified her, but at the same time still inspired admiration.

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, the daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, played the role of young Princess Aurora.

The film is Robert Stromberg's directorial debut.

Angelina Jolie worked with costume designers and makeup artists to create Maleficent's menacing look. Disney studio executives objected, hoping to use Jolie's beauty for marketing purposes, but the actress insisted that her character should retain the frightening features of Maleficent from the animated film Sleeping Beauty (1959).

Emma Thompson and Judi Dench were considered for the roles of the fairies.