Summary
Two years ago, I thoughtAngelina Joliewas making an action movie comeback, but now I fear that her movies will no longer be part of the genre. Jolie first established her career in the 1990s, picking up roles in movies likeHackersandGia.However, her big break came in 1999 when she played Lisa Rowe inGirl, Interrupted.From there, Jolie catapulted to international fame, taking on iconic roles in varying genres,such as Lara Croft, Mrs. Smith, and Maleficent. However, through it all, I believe Jolie’s best movies cemented her as a true action movie star.
AlthoughAngelina Jolie’s dramatic charactershave impressed me, it is her action work that truly intrigues me. Furthermore, I think these films have the strongest legacy.Lara Croft: Tomb Raidermay not have been a critical gem, but it brought to life a staple of early 1990s video games. Not to mention, it is one of the highest-grossing video game adaptations of all time.Mr. and Mrs. Smithhas a similar reputation.Jolie’s performance with Brad Pitt has remained significantenough that a television adaptation rebooted the franchise in 2024. Ultimately, Jolie’s action roots are important.
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Jolie Starred In Eternals & Those Who Wish Me Dead
In 2021, I had hope that Angelina Jolie might return to action movies. At that time, Jolie’s lastbig action movie was 2010’sSalt.That left the actress with a decade-long streak of no action movies. Therefore, I was thrilled to discover that she would star in two action films in 2021:EternalsandThose Who Wish Me Dead.Although Jolie hasn’t taken on action again since these two movies, I have to admit that they satisfied some of my craving. Through these movies,I got to see Jolie return to what she does best: intense, on-screen action sequences.
ThoughSaltwas supposed to have a sequel,Salt 2ultimately fell through. A television adaptation has also been reported, though no news has been released.
InEternals,it was great to see Jolie embody a god-like hero character. It was even better to watch her do it alongside a star-studded cast. Jolie fit perfectly into the ensemble cast, which had a variety of distinct personalities. Of course, her most active moments were also her best.Those Who Wish Me Deadhad the same effect. While more creepy and gripping thanEternals, Those Who Wish Me Deadfulfilled my dream of seeingJolie’s action comeback. Though both movies follow vastly different stories, they both offered me exactly what I wanted from Jolie.
None Of Angelina Jolie’s Upcoming Movies Are Action-Oriented
Jolie Is Mostly Sticking To Drama
Unfortunately, I’m not sure that I’ll see Jolie’s action side return any time soon. The actress has four movies slated for release in the coming years, and they look mostly like dramas. First, there isEvery Note Played,which will see Jolie play a woman who takes care of her musically talented ex-husband after he is diagnosed with ALS. Next,Mariais a biographical film starring Jolie as opera singer Maria Callas. Then, Jolie is continuing her Disney villain franchise by reprisingher role as Maleficent inMaleficent 3.
My only hope is a movie calledMaude v Maude.At this point, there is no clear information about the movie’s plot. However, it has been revealed thatJolie is teaming up with Halle Berry to make and star in this film. Furthermore, it is allegedly a spy thriller. With so little information at hand, it’s impossible to say just how much action there will be in this movie, but I can’t help but get my hopes up. A return to something likeMr. and Mrs. Smithwould be just what I need to revive my Angelina Jolie action nostalgia.
Angelina Jolie Is Still A Great Action Movie Heroine
Jolie Will Always Be An Action Hero
Angelina Jolie may have taken a step back from action, but she will always remain a pillar of the genre. Action made up such a significant portion of her career that it would be impossible to forget about. Even as she explores other types of movies,I will always cherish those early Jolie moviesthat made me fall in love with her in the first place.
Plus, Jolie may return to action after all. There is no telling what the actress' future plans are. Though her next few movies seem to be on the more dramatic side, I am still holding out hope that she will return to action. It may be throughMaude v Maude,or something else entirely. Regardless, I look forward to whateverAngelina Joliedoes next.
Eternals
Cast
Eternals, directed by Chloé Zhao, follows a group of ancient aliens who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years. The film explores their reunion in the face of an unexpected tragedy and the threat posed by their age-old adversaries, the Deviants. Released in 2021, the film expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Those Who Wish Me Dead
Those Who Wish Me Dead is a thriller directed by Taylor Sheridan, starring Angelina Jolie as a smokejumper who must protect a young murder witness while a pair of assassins pursue them through a forest fire in Montana. Co-stars include Finn Little, Nicholas Hoult, and Jon Bernthal. Based on the novel by Michael Koryta, the film blends high-stakes action with a tale of survival against both man and nature.
