Angelina Jolie is to portray opera icon Maria Callas in a new biopic about the last years of the American-born Greek soprano's life.
US entertainment trade publication Deadline reports that Maria will see Oscar winner Jolie working with Chilean director Pablo Larraín, whose credits include the Diana, Princess of Wales biopic Spencer and the Jackie Kennedy biopic Jackie.
The film will tell "the tumultuous, beautiful, and tragic story of the life of the world's greatest opera singer, relived and re-imagined during her final days in 1970s Paris".
Callas died of a heart attack in Paris in September 1977. She was 53.
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, who wrote the screenplay for Larraín's Spencer, is reuniting with the filmmaker for the new project.
"Having the chance to combine my two most deep and personal passions, cinema and opera, has been a long-awaited dream," said director Larraín in a statement.
"To do this with Angelina, a supremely brave and curious artist, is a fascinating opportunity. A true gift."
"I take very seriously the responsibility to Maria's life and legacy. I will give all I can to meet the challenge," said Jolie.
"Pablo Larraín is a director I have long admired. To be allowed the chance to tell more of Maria's story with him, and with a script by Steven Knight, is a dream."
