Angelina Jolie, Doug Liman Plan Spy Thriller 'The Initiative'

Angelina Jolie is reuniting with director Doug Liman for a new spy thriller titled "The Initiative," described as a "Training Day" set in the world of espionage. Jolie will play Bright, a rogue master spy who takes a new agent named Charlie under her wing, but Charlie is unsure whether Bright is protecting him or threatening his survival. The screenplay is being written by F. Scott Frazier, known for "xXx: Return of Xander Cage," and production is set to be overseen by Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum's RK Films for Universal Studios, with plans to begin filming in early 2026. This project aims to bring Jolie back to the action thriller genre, reminiscent of her roles in "Salt" and "The Tourist," while Liman continues his collaboration with Universal, having previously directed hits like "The Bourne Identity" and "American Made." Executive VP of production development Jay Polidoro and director of development Tony Ducret will oversee the project for Universal. Both Jolie and Liman have strong ties to the studio and the producing team, with RK Films having previously worked with Jolie on the "Maleficent" films.