Parallel Timelines

Maria: A Cinematic World of Iconic Women

Warning: This article contains light spoilers for Maria.

Marvel, DC, and Star Wars can relax — director Pablo Larraín is not getting into the multiverse game.

While his latest movie, Maria, starring Angelina Jolie as opera singer Maria Callas, takes place in the same cinematic world as his critically lauded 2016 drama Jackie, which starred Natalie Portman as Jackie Kennedy, the filmmaker tells Entertainment Weekly he was not going out of his way to create the next MCU.

The Interconnected Lives of Maria and Jackie Kennedy

“I’m not doing a multiverse at all,” the director explains. “In reality, they were very close. They belonged to the same sort of social group of people back then. Of course, the figure of Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas’ life were very painful.”

Larraín addressed the connection when asked about the repeated references to Jackie Kennedy and the appearance of John F. Kennedy in Maria.

Exploring Celebrity Relationships in Maria

Larraín also points to a scene in Maria that sees Callas attend a performance by fellow icon Marilyn Monroe, as one that further deepens the film’s web of celebrity relationships.

“Maria Callas sang ‘Carmen’ for everyone, for Kennedy, so they knew each other quite well, and there are letters between Jackie and Maria Callas,” the director explains.

Connections to Other Historical Women in Larraín’s Films

The director further notes a connection between Maria and his 2021 drama Spencer, which starred Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana.

Check out more from EW’s The Awardist, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis, and our podcast diving into all the highlights from the year’s best in TV, movies, and more.

The Impact of Historical Figures on Maria

Larraín reflects on the interconnectedness of the characters in his films, highlighting the relevance of certain historical events and figures.

Larraín’s Streak of Directing Leading Ladies to Recognition

Audiences and critics have praised Larraín and Jolie for their work in Maria, with Jolie being a frontrunner for Best Actress at the 2025 Oscars.

Maria is now playing in select theaters and streams Dec. 11 on Netflix.

FAQs

Q: Will Maria be available for streaming on other platforms?

A: As of now, Maria is set to stream exclusively on Netflix starting December 11.

Q: Are there any plans for a sequel to Maria?

A: There have been no official announcements regarding a sequel to Maria at this time.

Credit: ew.com