The divorce between Jolie and Pitt began in 2016 when Jolie filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. The process was filled with drama, scandal, and legal battles over custody and properties. Her attorney, James Simon, said that this was just part of a long process and that Jolie is exhausted but relieved it’s over. He also mentioned that since filing for divorce, Jolie and the children left the shared properties and focused on finding peace and healing.
Before returning to act in “Maria,” Jolie had a hiatus from Hollywood. She told Vanity Fair in December 2024 that she missed being an artist but couldn’t work on projects earlier because she “went very dark” and didn’t have the energy. She said she needed to be home more.
However, starring in “Maria” was the start of a positive change for her, as she described it as the beginning of coming alive again and needing kind people around her. In the film, she portrays the opera singer Maria Callas in the 1970s. “Maria” is not available for streaming on Netflix in the US.