Hollywood’s new obsession with live action fairy tales continues this week as Disney’s Maleficent has officially started production, and based on the success of Snow White and the Huntsman, I’d say that moviegoers are more than ready to embrace it. The movie is essentially a retelling of Sleeping Beauty from the point of view of the villain. Visual effects designer Robert Stromberg will be making his directorial debut with Maleficent, working from a script by Linda Woolverton (Alice in Wonderland, The Lion King).

Included with the press release from Disney is the very first image of Angelina Jolie in the lead role, and they seem to have captured the iconic look somewhat convincingly. The movie co-stars Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Miranda Richardson and Juno Temple, and it hits theatres on March 14th, 2014. Are you looking forward to Maleficent? Check out a larger image after the jump along with a still from Sleeping Beauty for comparison.