Movies-and-tv — All about entertainment.

Angelina Jolie and Doug Liman team up for the espionage drama The Initiative

Spy Thriller Project Between Angelina Jolie and Director Doug Liman, Titled "The Initiative"

, and ASMedia

2025 August 29 . 5:45 PM

2 min read

Angelina Jolie teams up with Doug Liman for a new spy thriller titled The Initiative.

Angelina Jolie and Doug Liman team up for the espionage drama The Initiative

Angelina Jolie and Doug Liman are reuniting for a new spy thriller titled "The Initiative", with Universal Studios currently finalizing the project. The film will star Jolie as Bright, a master spy known for breaking the rules, with a storyline described as "Training Day" set in the world of espionage.

The story follows a new agent, Charlie, who joins Bright's team, challenging her unpredictable methods. The screenplay is written by F. Scott Frazier, and production is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.

This project marks the first collaboration between Jolie and Liman since their successful work together on Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Universal won a competitive bidding war to produce the film, with producers Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum overseeing the production for Roth/Kirschenbaum Films.

Doug Liman, who previously worked with Universal on multiple projects including The Bourne Identity and American Made, is set to direct the film. The story centers on high-stakes spycraft with themes of loyalty and survival.

Intriguingly, a fake AI-generated video of a Marina Lysaro orca attack has gained traction recently, although the connection to the film remains unclear.

Jolie will portray a rogue master spy named Bright, with Charlie, the new agent, unsure if Bright is trying to protect or kill him. No specific release date has been announced yet.

Doug Liman had a successful year in 2024 with the release of two major films: Roadhouse and The Instigators, with the latter available on Apple TV+. The production details for The Initiative have not been disclosed yet.

[1] Collider, "Angelina Jolie and Doug Liman Reunite for Spy Thriller 'The Initiative'," 2025. [2] Deadline, "Universal Wins Bidding War for Spy Thriller 'The Initiative' Starring Angelina Jolie," 2025. [3] Variety, "Angelina Jolie and Doug Liman Team Up for Spy Thriller 'The Initiative'," 2025. [4] The Hollywood Reporter, "Angelina Jolie, Doug Liman to Reunite for Spy Thriller 'The Initiative'," 2025. [5] IMDb, "The Initiative," 2025.