Disney’s ”Maleficent” (in theaters this Friday, May 30) is a reinterpretation of “The Sleeping Beauty” tale. Here the famous villain, interpreted by Angelina Jolie, takes center stage with a more complex and noble role than in the 1959 animated film. The main antagonist in this story, ‘King Stefan’, is played by the amazingly talented Sharlto Copley (District 9, Elysium).

I had a blast speaking with him about the fantasy blockbuster that marks the directorial debut of special effects wizard and production designer Robert Sromberg (Avatar, Alice in Wonderland). In the video below he describes his stress-free working relationship with Jolie, what his character represents and more.

If you have time, don’t miss the longer, uncut version of the interview. In the relaxed chat, Copley talks about his career, his relationship with South Africa and his friend Neil Blomkamp, the imminent sequel “District 10,” his next movie with Hugh Jackman “Chappie,” and much, much more.

 

”From Disney comes “Maleficent”—the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty.” A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land’s fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal—an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading king’s successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom—and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well.”