Angelina Jolie is set to star in an upcoming thriller, marking her return to the gangster genre nearly three decades after her previous role in this space. The new film, “Sunny,” sees Jolie taking on both acting and producing duties, as she collaborates with director Eva Sørhaug to deliver a suspenseful story about a mother fighting to escape a violent underworld—making it a significant entry for those searching for the latest Angelina Jolie gangster movie news.
Production Begins on “Sunny” with Acclaimed Creative Team
Jolie, whose recent projects include the French drama “Couture” at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, “Maria” (2024), and Marvel’s “Eternals” (2021), now leads the cast in “Sunny.” The plot centers around a mother—played by Jolie—who must shield herself and her children from an abusive crime boss, after a catastrophic event gives them only hours to plan their escape. This premise reintroduces Jolie to the kind of intense, character-driven roles she portrayed in earlier films like the 1998 gangster drama “Hell Kitchen.”
Eva Sørhaug, known for directing episodes of “Yellowjackets” and “Tokyo Vice,” takes the helm of this project. Sørhaug brings experience from psychological thrillers and crime series, which is anticipated to add depth and tension to “Sunny.” The script is written by William Day Frank, based on a story co-developed with Sørhaug. The production brings together companies such as Gramercy Park Media, A Higher Standard, and Nickel City Pictures.
Jolie’s Impact and Sørhaug’s Television Roots
Jolie stands out as one of Hollywood’s most recognized figures—her Oscar for “Girl, Interrupted” (1999) and starring roles in action and drama films like “Salt,” “Maleficent,” “Changeling,” “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” and the “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” series have solidified her reputation. “Sunny” marks her return to a genre that has seen few leading female figures, especially in mother-centric stories about survival within criminal worlds.
The supporting production team features A Higher Standard’s Jeffrey Greenstein, Gramercy Park’s Nathan Klingher, and producer Mark Fasano of Nickel City Pictures. Speaking to Deadline, Fasano described Jolie’s performance and Sørhaug’s vision:
“People are going to be shocked by what she [Jolie] brings with this riveting character. This violent world that Eva and Angelina have crafted is grounded in survival and family led by a mother doing anything and everything within her power to protect her two boys.” – Mark Fasano, Producer
Sørhaug’s Experience and Expectations for “Sunny”
Eva Sørhaug’s background includes recent work on the supernatural thriller “Talamasca: The Secret Order,” specifically episodes three and four of the first season. Her experience with “Yellowjackets”—where she directed key episodes titled “The Dollhouse,” “Blood Hive,” and “No Compass”—demonstrates her skill in crafting tense, emotionally charged narratives involving complex relationships and psychological suspense. This skillset may prove decisive in bringing “Sunny” to life with the charged and contemplative tone that the story demands.
“Sunny” is also Sørhaug’s first feature film project since 2012’s “90 Minutes,” another Toronto International Film Festival contender. Her return to cinema with a film focused on resilience, family, and the high stakes of the gangster underworld has drawn attention in Hollywood circles, especially given Jolie’s star power and the evolving standards of genre filmmaking.
Potential for Lasting Impact in the Gangster Genre
With an established cast, seasoned director, and experienced production team, “Sunny” could mark a career highlight for both Jolie and Sørhaug. As production moves forward, many anticipate whether the film will join the ranks of standout Angelina Jolie gangster movies—or perhaps even redefine the genre through its emotionally charged examination of a mother’s fight against a violent world.
