Hollywood is buzzing with excitement over the announcement that Angelina Jolie and Doug Liman will once again join forces for a high-octane spy thriller titled "The Initiative." Almost two decades after their smash hit "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," fans are eagerly anticipating their next cinematic collaboration. Universal Pictures is reportedly in the final stages of acquiring the film, with F. Scott Frazier penning the screenplay and Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum producing under the RK Films banner.
Dubbed as a "Training Day" set against the backdrop of the espionage world, "The Initiative" promises to be a thrilling ride. Jolie stars as Bright, a rogue master spy who operates beyond the conventional boundaries. When a new agent named Charlie joins Bright's team, he finds himself in a treacherous dilemma, questioning whether his enigmatic boss is plotting his demise or safeguarding the globe.
The film's intricate plot is poised to deliver non-stop action and nail-biting suspense, echoing Jolie's previous action-packed thrillers such as "Salt" and "The Tourist." Production is expected to commence as early as the first quarter of 2026, with Universal Pictures' executive VP of production development, Jay Polidoro, and director of development, Tony Ducret, overseeing the project. This swift timeline underscores the studio's enthusiastic embrace of the project and their unwavering confidence in the talented team at the helm.
With Jolie and Liman at the creative steering wheel, "The Initiative" boasts an impressive lineage. Liman's illustrious career with Universal includes directing hits like "The Bourne Identity" and "American Made," and he is currently busy helming the underwater adventure film "Deeper" and a space-themed venture with Tom Cruise. Frazier, the screenplay writer, brings a wealth of experience in crafting action-packed narratives, having penned films such as "Collide" and "XXX: The Return of Xander Cage."
The convergence of such seasoned professionals promises to elevate "The Initiative" to new heights of cinematic excellence.
