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First look: Angelina Jolie as "Maleficent"

Angelina Jolie is shown as the title character in the film "Maleficent." Walt Disney Studios

(CBS News) Walt Disney Studios announced Tuesday that production has begun on "Maleficent" - its live-action film about the evil sorceress from the 1959 animated classic "Sleeping Beauty" - and also released a picture of Angelina Jolie in the title role.

In the image, the Oscar winner is shown sporting a serious pair of horns and bright green-yellow eyes.

Pictures: Angelina Jolie

The studio says the film is "the untold story of Disney's most beloved villain." It's an origins story of sorts for Maleficent, revealing what hardened her heart and drove her to curse the baby Aurora.

"Maleficient" will be directed by Robert Stronberg, the Oscar-winning production designer of "Avatar" and "Alice in Wonderland."

The film is also set to star Elle Fanning ("Super 8"), Sam Riley ("On the Road"), Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge in the "Harry Potter" films), Miranda Richardson ("The Hours"), Juno Temple ("Atonement") and Lesley Manville ("Secrets & Lies").

The 3-D film is scheduled to be released March 14, 2014.

Tell us: What do you think of Jolie as Maleficent?

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