Angelina Jolie and Doug Liman team up for the espionage drama, The Initiative
In the world of espionage, trust can be a fragile commodity. This is especially true in the upcoming spy thriller, "The Initiative", where Angelina Jolie stars as Bright, a rogue master spy who operates outside the rules.
The plot revolves around a new agent named Charlie, played by an as-yet-uncast actor, who joins Bright’s team. Charlie quickly finds himself in a precarious position, unsure if his intimidating boss is trying to kill him or simply willing to do whatever it takes to protect the free world. The film has been described as “Training Day set in the world of spycraft.”
"The Initiative" is a follow-up to Jolie and Liman's previous collaboration, Mr and Mrs. Smith (2005). Doug Liman will once again take the director's chair, with F. Scott Frazier penning the screenplay. Universal Pictures is close to finalizing a deal to produce and distribute the movie.
Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum, who have a history of successful collaborations with both Jolie and Liman, will produce the film through Roth/Kirschenbaum Films. The project is fast-tracked, with filming potentially starting in early 2026.
The collaboration between Jolie and Liman aims to bring Jolie back into her action-espionage roots, reminiscent of her roles in Salt and Wanted. Liman is known for directing a slick, high-octane film, and this project is no exception.
Doug Liman has a rich history with Universal Pictures, having kicked off the iconic Bourne franchise in 2002 with The Bourne Identity and most recently working together on the 2017 Tom Cruise-led thriller American Made.
In a separate development, a fake AI-generated video of a Marina Lysaro orca attack has gained traction. While not directly related to "The Initiative", it could potentially pique the interest of readers.
Meanwhile, Liman had a successful year in 2024 with the release of two major films: Roadhouse on Amazon MGM and The Instigators on Apple TV+. The project is currently being considered by Universal Pictures.
Stay tuned for more updates on "The Initiative" as production progresses.
Amidst the fast-paced world of entertainment, the upcoming movie "The Initiative" promises to be a compelling addition to the realm of cinema and TV shows. Surrounded by twists and turns, this espionage thriller blends elements of culture and societal dynamics as it delves into the treacherous waters of espionage and trust. As the filming for "The Initiative" draws near, crowds gathered around the entertainment industry eagerly anticipate the action-packed sequences and the extraordinary lead performance by Angelina Jolie, set to embody her notable action-espionage prowess reminiscent of her roles in Salt and Wanted.