In a move that has delighted fans of the iconic Disney villain, Angelina Jolie has officially signed on to reprise her role as Maleficent in a third installment of the fantasy franchise.

The announcement comes on the heels of Jolie’s critically acclaimed performance as Thena in Marvel’s Eternals, solidifying her status as a versatile and in-demand leading lady in Hollywood.

Jolie first portrayed the horned sorceress in the 2014 live-action reimagining of the Sleeping Beauty story, which put a modern spin on the classic tale. She later reprised the role in the 2019 sequel Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, which expanded the character’s backstory and explored the complex relationship between Maleficent and Aurora, played by Elle Fanning.

Now, the three-time Oscar winner is set to don the iconic black robes and dramatic headpiece once again, thrilling audiences with her captivating on-screen presence as the enigmatic anti-heroine. While details about the plot of Maleficent 3 remain tightly under wraps, fans can expect the next chapter to delve deeper into the nuanced psyche of the misunderstood villain.

Jolie’s involvement is sure to attract widespread attention, as the Maleficent films have become a cultural phenomenon, blending stunning visual effects, compelling storytelling, and a star-studded cast. The actress’s ability to imbue the character with a sense of both menace and vulnerability has been widely praised, making her a natural fit to headline the next installment.

With Jolie’s return to the role, audiences can anticipate a captivating and visually stunning exploration of the Maleficent mythos, as the franchise continues to redefine the boundaries of the traditional fairy tale narrative. Fans of the series will undoubtedly be counting down the days until they can once again witness Jolie’s mesmerizing performance as the iconic sorceress.