It was reported last week that longtime Disney collaborator Linda Woolverton had been assigned the task of scripting the live action retelling of Sleeping Beauty, which will now be told from the evil fairy godmother's perspective. The film is titled Maleficent, the name of the black queen who cast the original spell on Sleeping Beauty. The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Angelina Jolie is interested in taking on the villainous lead role.

Both Jolie and director Tim Burton had been linked to the film last spring, when Disney started hinting that it would like to bring this post modern take on its 1959 classic to the big screen. Though Burton is still rumored to be directing the project, his involvement in Maleficent remains uncertain at this time. Sources close to the project indicate that Jolie is very interested in taking on this family adventure. Though, there is no deal set in place at this time. And it's not known whether Burton's involvement has anything to do with Jolie's commitment to the material.

Maleficent will follow Disney's current trend of mining age-old animated fare for modern day live action adaptations such as the hugely successful Alice in Wonderland and the upcoming The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Maleficent, is currently eyeing a 2012 release date.