Part of that is casting fun, talented actors as new characters, and Ed Skrein certainly fits the bill.
This movie will be venturing beyond the original Sleeping Beauty tale, so there is pretty much an open canvas where the filmmakers could take this fantasy world.
Taking on directing duties for Maleficent 2 is Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales helmer Joachim Rønning, who seems to have a good relationship with Disney.
He can give off charm while also seeming dangerous and evil and hopefully he gets some fun scenery to chew in this sequel film.