Angelina Jolie Reunites with ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ Director for New Spy Thriller The Initiative

Angelina Jolie Reunites with ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ Director for New Spy Thriller The Initiative

Angelina Jolie is set to return to her action-thriller roots by teaming up once again with director Doug Liman, nearly two decades after their collaboration on Mr. & Mrs. Smith, for a brand-new spy movie titled The Initiative, under the Universal Pictures banner.

Penned by F. Scott Frazier (known for xXx: Return of Xander Cage and Collide), the film has been dubbed “Training Day set in the world of spycraft.” Jolie takes on the role of Bright, a rogue “master spy” who operates off-book. Her mission evolves when a new recruit named Charlie joins her team, and soon finds himself uncertain whether Bright is protecting him, manipulating him, or even plotting his demise.

Producing through RK Films, Jolie reunites with familiar collaborators Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum, who also produced her Maleficent films.

Universal reportedly has their eye on kicking off production in early 2026, signaling confidence in the project’s trajectory.

Doug Liman brings a résumé full of high-octane storytelling, from directing The Bourne Identity and Edge of Tomorrow, to recent projects with Tom Cruise. His experience in the action genre positions him well for shaping The Initiative into a taut, complex thriller.

Powerhouse Reunion Jolie and Liman’s return to the genre that cemented her action-star status promises both chemistry and creative passion. Grit with Depth Described as a Training Day-style thriller, the film suggests a morally ambiguous and layered narrative, where loyalties blur and danger is ever-present. Strong Behind-the-Scenes Team With Frazier’s screenwriting and RK Films’ production pedigree backing the project, The Initiative seems primed for both critical and commercial success. Fast-Track to Filming Scheduled to begin in early 2026, the quick timeline indicates high studio confidence and strategic planning.