It has been nearly six years since Maleficent: Mistress of Evil brought Angelina Jolie back to the big screen as Disney’s horned fairy. After years of speculation and rumors that Disney was scaling back on live-action sequels, fans can finally relax: Maleficent 3 is officially in development, and Jolie is confirmed to return.

Though Disney hasn’t yet announced a release date, the third chapter of the fantasy franchise is moving forward behind the scenes, with screenwriter Linda Woolverton — who penned the first two films — back on board to craft the next installment.

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Jolie’s Return and the Future of Maleficent

In a 2023 interview with The Wall Street Journal, Jolie confirmed her intention to reprise the role that redefined one of Disney’s most infamous villains. She also hinted that the film could mark one of her final on-screen roles, making this third installment a significant milestone in her career. Industry outlets reaffirmed in 2025 that Jolie is not only returning as the lead but is also expected to take on an expanded role behind the scenes.

A Familiar Creative Team Returns

The biggest creative news came in March 2025, when it was confirmed that Linda Woolverton—the screenwriter behind Maleficent (2014) and Mistress of Evil (2019)—is back to write the third chapter. Woolverton’s involvement is particularly exciting given her track record with strong, complex female characters. Beyond Maleficent, her resume includes Disney classics such as Beauty and the Beast (1991) and The Lion King (1994).

Where the Story Might Go

Plot details remain under wraps, but Mistress of Evil ended with Maleficent embracing her heritage as a Dark Fey and striking peace with humans, particularly her goddaughter, Princess Aurora. The new film could expand on the world of the Dark Fey, test the fragile truce between kingdoms, or even introduce a new villain powerful enough to challenge Maleficent’s legacy.

Fans also speculate about Aurora’s fate as queen—could her rule come under threat, and will Maleficent protect her, guide her, or perhaps step aside for a new generation of guardians? With Jolie hinting at closure, many expect the third film to conclude Maleficent’s journey in a meaningful way.

What’s Confirmed and What’s Not

Aside from Jolie, no other cast members have been officially confirmed. Elle Fanning, who played Aurora in the first two films, is widely expected to return, though Disney has yet to make an announcement. Likewise, there’s no word on the return of Sam Riley as Diaval or Harris Dickinson as Prince Phillip.

A director has also not been named, though Disney is reportedly searching for the right creative partner to bring Woolverton’s script to life.

Release Window and Production Status

While there is no official release date, industry trackers list the film as being in pre-production, suggesting Disney is quietly moving forward behind the scenes. Based on the current timeline, many insiders believe a release in late 2025 or early 2026 is the most likely scenario.

A Quiet But Promising Return

Despite rumors in early 2024 that Disney was shelving several live-action sequels — including Maleficent 3 — those claims appear to be unsubstantiated. The confirmation of Woolverton’s script in development, along with Jolie’s public statements, strongly suggests that the project is still very much alive.

That said, the lack of a director or official production timeline means fans may have to wait a little longer before Maleficent takes flight again.

The Maleficent films have always been more than just reimaginings of Sleeping Beauty. They’ve become stories about power, identity, redemption, and maternal love—wrapped in gothic visuals and grand fantasy set pieces. For Jolie, the role has been career-defining; for Disney, it has offered a darker, more layered alternative to their traditional princess tales.

Though details remain scarce, the pieces are finally falling into place. With Angelina Jolie confirmed, Linda Woolverton writing, and pre-production underway, Maleficent 3 looks set to deliver a grand conclusion to one of Disney’s boldest character arcs. Fans may need to wait a little longer for wings to unfurl on the big screen again, but one thing is certain: Maleficent’s story isn’t finished just yet.