Angelina Jolie’s ‘Maria’ faces backlash over Haluk Bilginer’s limited role
The much-anticipated film “Maria,” featuring Haluk Bilginer alongside Angelina Jolie, has stirred significant excitement since its announcement.
However, the recent release of the trailer has also ignited a wave of criticism, particularly regarding Bilginer’s limited presence.
Haluk Bilginer and Angelina Jolie lead in Maria
“Maria,” directed by Pablo Larrain, chronicles the tumultuous life of Maria Callas, focusing on her final days in Paris during the 1970s. Bilginer portrays Aristotel Sokratis Onassis, a crucial figure in Callas’s life.
The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in the United States on Nov. 27, 2024, followed by a Netflix release on Dec. 11, 2024.
Public reaction to the trailer
Despite the excitement surrounding the film, the trailer has drawn sharp criticism from Turkish viewers. Many fans expressed disappointment at Bilginer’s minimal screen time and the omission of his name from promotional materials. Social media has been flooded with comments reflecting frustration and disappointment:
- “Is Haluk Bilginer playing an invisible man? I didn’t even see his name.”
- “I almost thought I saw Bilginer for a second …”
- “Did they forget to film Haluk? This feels like a missed opportunity.”
These reactions underscore the expectations of Turkish audiences for greater visibility and recognition of their national talent in international projects.
Looking ahead: Promising yet controversial premiere
As the release date approaches, the film’s prospects remain promising, particularly given the star power of Jolie and Bilginer. However, the backlash from fans indicates that the film’s reception could be affected by their disappointment. The anticipation for “Maria” now comes with a caveat – can it deliver on the expectations of both international audiences and Turkish fans?
In conclusion, while “Maria” has the potential to be a captivating portrayal of a musical icon, the current criticisms highlight the importance of representation and recognition in cinema, particularly for talented actors like Bilginer.
Who is Haluk Bilginer?
Nihat Haluk Bilginer, born on June 5, 1954, in Izmir’s Seferihisar district, is a renowned Turkish actor and director. He has made significant contributions to cinema, television, and theater, both in Türkiye and internationally. After studying theater at Ankara State Conservatory, Bilginer furthered his education in the U.K. at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
His illustrious career spans various acclaimed performances in plays, TV series, and films, including the Emmy-winning role of “Agah Beyoglu” in the series “Sahsiyet.” With numerous awards under his belt, Haluk Bilginer is recognized for his outstanding talent and remains one of Türkiye’s most respected actors in the global film and theater scene.
