Angelina Jolie and Doug Liman Collaborate on New Spy Thriller 'The Initiative'

What's Happening?

Angelina Jolie is set to star in a new spy thriller titled 'The Initiative,' marking a reunion with director Doug Liman, known for their previous collaboration on 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.' Universal Pictures is currently in negotiations to acquire the project, with F. Scott Frazier attached as the screenwriter. The plot details of the film are being kept confidential at this stage. Jeff Kirschenbaum is slated to produce the film under Roth/Kirschenbaum Films. If the deal is finalized, Jay Polidoro, the executive vice president of production development, and Tony Ducret, the director of development, will oversee the project for Universal. Jolie is represented by WME and Johnson Shapiro, while Liman, Frazier, and Kirschenbaum are represented by CAA.

Why It's Important?

The collaboration between Angelina Jolie and Doug Liman is significant due to their successful past work on 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith,' which was both a commercial and critical success. This new project, 'The Initiative,' is likely to attract considerable attention from both audiences and industry insiders, given the high-profile nature of the talent involved. The involvement of Universal Pictures, a major studio, further underscores the potential impact of the film in the entertainment industry. The project could also influence future trends in the spy thriller genre, potentially setting new standards for storytelling and production quality.

What's Next?

If Universal Pictures successfully acquires the project, the next steps will involve finalizing the screenplay and beginning pre-production. Casting for additional roles and securing locations for filming will likely follow. The film's development will be closely watched by industry analysts and fans of both Jolie and Liman. The project's progress could also prompt reactions from other studios, potentially leading to a competitive environment for similar high-profile projects.