After more than a decade gravitating toward dramatic and art films — except a brief supporting turn in Eternals, which didn’t quite work — Angelina Jolie now seems to be betting on a return to a territory where she has always thrived: action films. Hollywood was caught off guard by the news that the actress will star in Doug Liman’s new project, The Initiative.

For fans? Excellent news. Since her split from Brad Pitt, the actor has not only secured the backing of influential celebrity friends, but has also effectively isolated his ex with veiled accusations — always from “sources close to him” — claiming that Angelina engaged in parental alienation, tried to sabotage his Miraval wine business, among other things. The children, in fact, have shown little support for their father (most have dropped the Pitt surname; Shiloh, the couple’s biological firstborn, legally changed her name to sign only as Jolie). Overall, though, Pitt appears to be the “winner”: Oscars, accolades, millions, and a sober life already alongside another woman.

However, let’s return to the point: this is good news for Jolie. After a personal campaign against her derailed her Oscar run for Maria, seeing her return to action (literally) is exciting. And, ironically, the one hiring her is none other than the director of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, for another thriller once again set in the world of espionage.

The Initiative, scripted by F. Scott Frazier, is described as a “Training Day in the world of spycraft.” Jolie will play Bright, a rogue master spy who operates outside the rules (a role she could probably play in her sleep). When she begins working with a new agent named Charlie, he soon finds himself wondering whether his new boss is trying to kill him or simply willing to do whatever it takes to protect the free world. No casting announcement has been made for Charlie yet — and, joking aside, some might bet that plenty of actresses will hope he’s single, just to avoid any “on-set risks.”

Doug Liman, a vocal critic of streaming, has recently delivered two hits: Roadhouse and The Instigators. He’s also working with Tom Cruise on Deeper, an ambitious underwater event film that has been delayed by the time needed to develop the necessary filming technology. And yes, that much-talked-about project to shoot a movie in space? Also, his and Cruise’s — a wild idea still in development.

The fact is, Angelina will be in good hands for this comeback, as Liman is one of the strongest directors in the genre. The big question is who will dare step into the role of Charlie? At 50, as of 2025, Jolie doesn’t seem to have felt the passage of time. Seeing her back with weapons and fight scenes will be nostalgia at its finest. Could this be the start of a triumphant turn? We’re rooting for it.