Angelina Jolie reunites with her Mr. & Mrs. Smith director for a high-octane spy thriller

13 August 2025

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith'. Moviestore/Shutterstock

Angelina Jolie is stepping into the world of espionage once more, rekindling a creative partnership with director Doug Liman best known for their iconic 2005 hit Mr. & Mrs. Smith to bring audiences The Initiative, a "Training Day set in the world of spycraft" that promises both tension and cinematic flair.

The film will star Jolie as Bright, a rogue master spy whose unpredictability keeps both allies and adversaries on edge. The script for The Initiative was penned by F. Scott Frazier, who previously contributed to action dramas like xXx: The Return of Xander Cage, and it is produced by the Fargo behind the RK Films team of Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum, who previously partnered with Jolie on the Maleficent franchise.

This project marks Jolie’s return to her strength in action roles, building on her performances in Salt, Eternals, and the 2024 biopic Maria, as well as her directorial work on Without Blood. She continues to expand her range with projects like the French drama Couture which will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and the upcoming action-packed Maude v Maude, featuring Halle Berry.

For Liman, this is his first reunion with Jolie since Mr. & Mrs. Smith, the witty and stylish blockbuster that launched their careers into genre-defining territory. Liman is also busy with high-profile projects like Deeper, a supernatural thriller set at sea starring Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas, along with another collaboration that reunites him with Mission: Impossible director Christopher McQuarrie.

While The Initiative remains tight-lipped on plot specifics, the synergy of Jolie’s commanding presence and Liman’s kinetic direction suggests a film that will combine fast-paced action with layered character dynamics. It is already shaping up to be one of Hollywood’s most buzzed-about upcoming thrillers.

This reunion appears to be more than a nostalgic move it positions Jolie to continue redefining the spy genre through a role that blends her legacy strength with new creative territory. The project underscores her talent not just in front of the camera but as a collaborator who curates high-stakes, genre-defining cinema.