Angelina Jolie is preparing to return to the action genre by reuniting with director Doug Liman for the upcoming spy thriller The Initiative, according to recent reports. The film, written by F. Scott Frazier, is scheduled to begin production in early 2026 and marks a highly anticipated collaboration between Jolie and Liman following their work on Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
Plot Overview and Character Details of The Initiative
The screenplay by F. Scott Frazier, known for xXx: Return of Xander Cage, describes The Initiative as
“Training Day set in the world of spycraft.”
Jolie will portray Bright, an unconventional spy who operates outside traditional boundaries. The story follows a new recruit named Charlie, who soon questions whether Bright is protecting him or poses a deadly threat. As the narrative unfolds, themes of moral ambiguity and harsh tactics in espionage will be explored.
Production Timeline and Collaborations
With Angelina Jolie confirmed for the lead role, the project is expected to move quickly into production during the first quarter of 2026. The Initiative will also see Jolie working again with producer Joe Roth of RK Films, with whom she collaborated on Disney’s Maleficent series. Casting announcements are anticipated in the near future as preparatory work advances.
Recent Career Highlights for Jolie and Liman
Angelina Jolie joins The Initiative following her Golden Globe-nominated performance as Maria Callas in last year’s biopic Maria. This film marks her first major role after an acting hiatus that began after Marvel’s Eternals in 2021. Director Doug Liman had a busy 2024 with the release of two major projects: the Road House remake for Prime Video starring Jake Gyllenhaal, and The Instigators for Apple TV+, featuring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck.
Anticipated Impact and Next Steps for The Initiative
The collaboration between Jolie and Liman on this spy thriller is expected to generate significant interest given their previous success and the film’s high-stakes premise. The Initiative’s portrayal of complex spy dynamics and morally grey characters could resonate strongly with audiences. Observers are looking forward to upcoming casting updates and the film’s eventual development as production approaches.
