Maïwenn’s fascination with aliens continues to persist long after her role in The Fifth Element. The iconic 1997 sci-fi action film, directed and produced by Luc Besson, captivated audiences worldwide and became a box office sensation. The story revolves around the imminent threat to the universe posed by a universal evil, which can only be stopped by the power of five elements: water, fire, earth, air, and love. The responsibility to save the world from the clutches of the villains falls upon the unlikely duo of Corben Dallas, a hapless ex-military taxi driver played by Bruce Willis, and the enchanting alien Leeloo, portrayed by Milla Jovovich.
Within the narrative, a pivotal character emerges in the form of Diva Plavalaguna, an opera singer who safeguards the four elements. Maïwenn, who was then Luc Besson’s common-law wife, brought Diva Plavalaguna to life on the screen. The character is remembered for her distinctive appearance and her awe-inspiring rendition of the virtuoso aria “Il dolce suono” from Gaetano Donizetti’s opera “Lucia di Lammermoor,” performed by opera singer Inva Mula. The captivating design of the alien character was the work of John Coppinger, known for his contributions to the Star Wars franchise, while the extravagant dress was created by renowned French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier. Diva Plavalaguna stands as one of the noteworthy female characters in The Fifth Element.
During the filming of The Fifth Element, Maïwenn and Luc Besson had already been in a common-law marriage for five years, having started their cohabitation when Maïwenn was just 16 years old. However, a romance blossomed between Besson and Milla Jovovich on the set, leading Maïwenn to embark on her own artistic journey. She ventured into directing, where she found great success. Her third feature film, Polisse, received the Jury Prize at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. Currently, the 47-year-old Maïwenn is preparing for the release of her historical drama Jeanne Dubarry, which she co-directs with Johnny Depp.
In a similar vein, we have witnessed unexpected transformations in the lives of other iconic actresses. Recently, we highlighted the remarkable changes undergone by Lucy Lawless, renowned for her portrayal of the legendary Xena – Warrior Princess in the eponymous series from the late nineties.
Equally surprising is the transformation of Melissa Joan Hart, who transitioned from her role as the young witch Sabrina in the series “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” to a mature woman who is becoming less recognizable as the charming girl with magical powers and her beloved cat Salem.