In the summer of 2025, Disney’s Maleficent 3: The Black Fairy will soar into theaters, promising to close the saga of one of cinema’s most iconic antiheroes with a flourish of magic, emotion, and spectacle. Starring Angelina Jolie as the enigmatic Maleficent and introducing Megan Fox as the formidable Black Fairy Queen, this $200 million epic is poised to redefine dark fantasy. Directed by Joachim Rønning, who helmed Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, and written by veteran screenwriter Linda Woolverton, the film delves into Maleficent’s origins, her destiny, and the eternal struggle between light and shadow. With Elle Fanning reprising her role as Aurora, the now-queen of the Moors, and a host of returning and new faces, Maleficent 3 weaves a tale of ancient forces, epic battles, and heart-wrenching choices. From its haunting trailer to its ambitious themes, here’s why this grand finale is set to captivate audiences and cement Maleficent’s legacy as a cultural phenomenon.
A Mythic Conclusion to a Beloved Saga
The Maleficent franchise, launched in 2014, reimagined Disney’s Sleeping Beauty from the perspective of its villain, transforming Maleficent from a malevolent fairy into a complex antihero shaped by betrayal and redemption. The first film grossed $758 million worldwide, becoming Angelina Jolie’s highest-grossing live-action role, while Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) added $492 million to the franchise’s $1.2 billion haul. Maleficent 3: The Black Fairy, confirmed in development since 2021 and actively progressing with Woolverton’s script, builds on this legacy, promising a climactic end to Maleficent’s journey.
The trailer, released in early 2025, sets a haunting tone with a lullaby sung by Lana Del Rey, echoing her iconic Once Upon a Dream from the first film. It opens with Maleficent surveying the Moors, now a thriving kingdom under her protection, her wings glinting in the twilight. Peace, however, is fleeting. An ancient force, the Black Fairy Queen, awakens, her shadowy powers threatening the Moors, the human kingdom of Ulstead, and beyond. The trailer’s visuals—luminous forests, storm-ravaged castles, and swirling magical duels—hint at a story that balances intimate character moments with apocalyptic stakes. Maleficent’s ultimate test, as teased, is whether she will embrace her darkest impulses or rise above them to save those she loves.
A Star-Studded Cast Elevates the Drama
At the heart of Maleficent 3 is Angelina Jolie, whose portrayal of Maleficent has redefined Disney’s villain archetype. Jolie’s “mesmerizing stillness” and “gothic intensity” have been lauded for blending vulnerability with menace, making Maleficent both regal and relatable. In a 2023 Wall Street Journal interview, Jolie confirmed her return, despite hinting at stepping back from acting, underscoring her commitment to the role. Her performance is expected to anchor the film, especially as Maleficent grapples with her past and the Black Fairy Queen’s challenge.
Megan Fox, cast as the Black Fairy Queen, brings a fresh dynamic. Known for roles in Transformers and Jennifer’s Body, Fox’s casting as a rival with powers rivaling Maleficent’s promises a fierce showdown. Her character, shrouded in mystery, is depicted in the trailer with obsidian wings and a chilling charisma, suggesting a foe who mirrors Maleficent’s own complexity. Fans on X have speculated about Fox’s role, with one user posting, “Megan Fox as the Black Fairy Queen? That’s a power move. She’s gonna steal scenes from Jolie!”
Elle Fanning returns as Aurora, now a seasoned queen whose compassion and strength complement Maleficent’s ferocity. Fanning’s “soft yet badass” portrayal in Mistress of Evil won praise, and her role in Maleficent 3 is expected to deepen the mother-daughter bond that has been the franchise’s emotional core. Harris Dickinson as Prince Philip and Sam Riley as Diaval, Maleficent’s loyal raven-turned-human, are also likely to return, though Disney has not officially confirmed their involvement. The ensemble, potentially including new faces, will navigate alliances tested by the Black Fairy Queen’s schemes, adding layers of intrigue and betrayal.
A Cinematic Feast of Visuals and Effects
With a reported $200 million budget, Maleficent 3 aims to surpass its predecessors’ visual splendor. The first film’s “exquisite” effects, from the Moors’ vibrant flora to Maleficent’s shape-shifting battles, set a high bar, earning praise as “stoned-college-kid-friendly eye candy.” Mistress of Evil upped the ante with its climactic war and Academy Award-nominated makeup, and Maleficent 3 promises to push further. The trailer showcases breathtaking landscapes—glowing caverns, storm-tossed skies, and a Wasteland consumed by shadow—crafted by an army of art directors and VFX artists. A standout sequence features Maleficent and the Black Fairy Queen clashing in a vortex of light and darkness, their wings slicing through the air like blades.
The film’s special effects are expected to leverage cutting-edge CGI, building on the franchise’s tradition of blending practical makeup with digital wizardry. Jolie’s iconic horned silhouette, enhanced by Rick Baker’s Oscar-worthy designs in 2014, will be complemented by Fox’s otherworldly aesthetic, with rumors of prosthetic wings and glowing eyes. Composer Geoff Zanelli, who scored Mistress of Evil, is rumored to return, crafting a score that blends ethereal melodies with thunderous percussion to match the film’s epic scope. These elements promise a sensory experience that immerses audiences in a world where magic feels tangible.
A Story of Origins and Destiny
While plot details remain under wraps, Maleficent 3 is poised to explore Maleficent’s origins and the broader mythology of the Dark Fae, introduced in Mistress of Evil. The trailer suggests a deep dive into her past, possibly revisiting her Phoenix lineage and the betrayal by Stefan that hardened her heart. The Black Fairy Queen, an ancient entity tied to the Moors’ history, challenges Maleficent’s role as protector, forcing her to confront whether her darkness is her strength or her curse. Fans theorize the story may explore Maleficent’s struggle to balance her protective instincts with her morally complex past, a theme Woolverton has consistently woven into the series.
Aurora’s arc is equally compelling. Now a queen, she faces the challenge of uniting the Moors and Ulstead against a common threat. Her bond with Maleficent, tested by the Black Fairy Queen’s manipulations, will likely echo the franchise’s focus on maternal love. The trailer hints at a christening—possibly of Aurora and Philip’s child, as teased in Mistress of Evil—tying back to the original Sleeping Beauty curse and offering a poetic resolution. This narrative promises to balance personal stakes with epic fantasy, delivering both heart-wrenching moments and high-octane battles.
Themes That Resonate: Love, Power, and Redemption
The Maleficent series has always been more than a fairy tale, tackling themes of betrayal, redemption, and the complexity of villainy. The first film’s subtext of gendered violence—Maleficent’s wings being stolen by Stefan—drew critical attention for its “rape revenge fantasy” undertones, with Jolie confirming the intentional metaphor. Mistress of Evil explored prejudice and interspecies conflict, drawing parallels to Avatar and Game of Thrones. Maleficent 3 is expected to deepen these themes, focusing on the duality of light and shadow within Maleficent.
The Black Fairy Queen’s arrival introduces a mirror to Maleficent’s own darkness, raising questions about power and morality. Will Maleficent succumb to vengeance, as she did in her youth, or transcend it for Aurora’s sake? The trailer’s tagline, “Choose your nature, or it will choose you,” suggests a philosophical core that resonates with modern audiences grappling with identity and choice. The mother-daughter dynamic, praised for its emotional weight in Mistress of Evil, will likely anchor the film, offering a universal story of love overcoming division.
The Hype and Challenges Ahead
The anticipation for Maleficent 3 is palpable. Fans on X erupted when Jolie confirmed her return in 2023, with posts like “Angelina Jolie is an ICON” and “I will be seated for mother #Maleficent3.” The franchise’s $1.2 billion global gross underscores its commercial clout, making it a safer bet than Disney’s recent live-action remakes like Snow White, which struggled with its $250 million budget. However, challenges loom. The first film’s mixed reviews (56/100 on Metacritic) criticized its uneven tone, while Mistress of Evil was faulted for sidelining Jolie’s screen time. Maleficent 3 must balance its sprawling cast and ambitious effects with a cohesive story to avoid similar pitfalls.
The inclusion of Megan Fox, while exciting, has sparked debate. Some fans question whether she can match Jolie’s gravitas, though her casting as a villainous equal suggests confidence in her ability to deliver. The film’s release, speculated for late 2025 or early 2026, faces a crowded fantasy market, with Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and Hercules remakes on the horizon. Yet, the Maleficent brand, bolstered by Jolie’s star power and Woolverton’s proven storytelling, is well-positioned to dominate.
A Legacy Redefined
Maleficent 3: The Black Fairy is more than a sequel—it’s a chance to cement Maleficent as a timeless figure, evolving from villain to hero. Jolie’s performance, paired with Fox’s enigmatic antagonist, promises a clash of titans set against a backdrop of jaw-dropping visuals. Aurora’s growth as a leader, the exploration of Maleficent’s origins, and the franchise’s signature themes of love and redemption ensure a story that speaks to both heart and imagination. As the trailer’s lullaby fades and Maleficent takes flight, audiences are invited to witness a finale that dares to ask: can light triumph without embracing the dark? In 2025, Maleficent 3 will answer, leaving an indelible mark on Disney’s legacy and the hearts of fans worldwide.
