With the two live-action Snow White films both attracting big stars like Julia Roberts and Charlize Theron, Disney are now turning their attention towards another classic villain project.

A lot of people already knew that Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie (Mr and Mrs Smith, Changeling) would be starring as the dastardly antagonist in the upcoming 2014 film Maleficent. Then more recently it was confirmed that Elle Fanning (Super ‘8’) would be playing Princess Aurora with Sharlto Copley (District 9) playing King Stefan.

Imelda Staunton, Miranda Richardson, Lesley Manville and Sam Riley are all now on board for the fantasy adventure for which already promises to be one of the biggest films of 2014.

Staunton (Vera Drake, Harry Potter series) and Manville (Another Year) will play two fairies named Fittle and Knotgrass who guard Princess Aurora while Richardson (Blackadder, The Crying Game) is given the role of Maleficent’s aunt, Queen Ulla. Riley (Control, Brighton Rock) will portray Maleficent’s servant Diaval who has the ability to transform into a raven.

The film itself will focus on the sorceress from the classic 1959 film Sleeping Beauty and her reason for wanting to curse Princess Aurora with Jolie saying that the film would show a sympathetic side to her amidst the evil. It will be directed by debutant Robert Stromberg and will be heading for a March 14th release in 2014.

Already I feel psyched for this film with such a strong group of actors involved particularly those three women who have enough experience in the film industry to attract mature audiences. However I’m sure all the attention will be about Angelina’s performance!