Photo: Maria Moratti/Getty
Angelina Jolie revealed that she preemptively apologized to the extras on the set of her new biopic Maria before stepping into her role as opera legend Maria Callas, acknowledging the challenges of singing opera convincingly.
In a recent interview with Netflix’s Queue, Jolie opened up about her experience portraying the renowned soprano, offering insight into the vocal demands of the role.
“The funny thing is, for it to be convincing, you have to be very loud when you sing opera, as loud as you can be. Whether you feel confident or not, you still have to be very loud,” Jolie explained.
The film’s director, Pablo Larraín, created an immersive experience by casting a consistent group of extras who remained in the audience throughout filming. For Jolie, having a live audience heightened the authenticity of her performance but also added an extra layer of vulnerability.
Reflecting on her first day of singing in front of the group, Jolie admitted to breaking the ice with humor and humility. “I think the first day I met them I said, ‘I apologize for what’s about to happen in case I hit the wrong notes loudly,’” she recounted.
The Maleficent star emphasized how essential the extras became to her performance, describing them as a supportive presence. “They were with me through a few performances, and these wonderful people would become so essential to the piece,” Jolie said.
Performing opera, even in a fictional setting, was a deeply humbling experience for Jolie, who is not a trained singer. She credited the extras with providing the encouragement she needed to push through the challenge.
“It helped me [that] I was performing to a real audience. They were really kind people who knew that I was trying my best, and I wasn’t an opera singer but I was learning,” Jolie shared. “We were connected in the attempt and in the storytelling. Their understanding and support were everything.”
Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas in Maria marks a bold artistic step for the actress, who took on the vocal intensity and emotional weight of the role with dedication. Her candid admission of nerves—and her heartfelt connection with the audience—offers a glimpse into her commitment to capturing the essence of Callas’ legacy on screen
