(Credit: Pablo Larraín)

As production begins on the new biopic “Maria” based on the life of Maria Callas, the first images have been released featuring Angelina Jolie.

In a statement, Pablo Larraín said, “I am incredibly excited to start production on ‘Maria,’ which I hope will bring Maria Callas’ remarkable life and work to audiences all around the world, thanks to the magnificent script by Steven Knight, the work of the entire cast and crew, and especially, Angelina’s brilliant work and extraordinary preparation.”

According to Variety, “Jolie’s costumes will be based on real garments worn by Callas, including vintage fur items from Massimo Cantini Parrini’s archive collection, on which they consulted with PETA in order to not use any new fur.”

“Maria” is allowed to begin production with an interim agreement from SAG-AFTRA agreement and production will take place in Paris, Greece, Budapest, and Milan.

Steven Knight wrote the script which is set to also star Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Valeria Golino.

Larraín previously directed “Jackie” and “Spencer” which garnered Kristen Stewart and Natalie Portman Oscar nominations for their portrayals of Princess Diana and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, respectively.

Pablo Larraín