Thescreescore – Twenty years after the box-office triumph of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Angelina Jolie and director Doug Liman are reuniting for a new spy thriller, The Initiative. This isn’t just a reunion; it’s a cinematic event promising a potent blend of action, intrigue, and dramatic tension. The 2005 hit, co-starring Brad Pitt, grossed $487 million worldwide and spawned a 2024 Prime Video series. Now, the original creative force is back, aiming to recapture that magic.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Initiative is being billed as "Training Day in the world of spycraft." Jolie will play Bright, a rogue spy who takes a new agent, Charlie, under her wing. The twist? Charlie’s never quite sure if Bright is mentoring him or manipulating him, a dynamic ripe with suspense. F. Scott Frazier (xXx: Return of Xander Cage) pens the script, while Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum of RK Films (Damsel, Anyone But You) produce. Universal Studios plans a production start in the first quarter of 2026.
This project marks a significant return to the action genre for Jolie, whose previous action roles, including Wanted, Salt, and The Tourist, were released between 2008 and 2010. The Initiative promises to be a high-profile comeback, a priority for Universal. While Mr. & Mrs. Smith leaned into action-comedy, The Initiative aims for a darker, more dramatic tone, mirroring the gritty realism of Training Day. Jolie’s Bright appears poised to embody the morally ambiguous intensity of Denzel Washington’s Alonzo Harris, while Charlie will likely mirror Ethan Hawke’s Jake Hoyt.
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The casting of Charlie opposite Jolie will be crucial. Their on-screen chemistry will be key to replicating the success of the original pairing in Mr. & Mrs. Smith. This reunion is more than just a nostalgic callback; it’s a strategic move that capitalizes on the proven success of both Jolie and Liman in the spy thriller genre. The anticipation is palpable; the stage is set for a thrilling cinematic showdown. The question is: Can they recapture the magic, or will The Initiative forge its own path to cinematic greatness? Only time will tell.
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