Ridham Vashishth
Angelina Jolie isn’t just a name; she’s an era in Hollywood. Born amidst the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, California, in 1975, she didn’t just inherit the legacy of her actor parents but carved her own niche with unparalleled finesse. From her Oscar-winning portrayal in ‘Girl, Interrupted‘ to her iconic role as the adventurous archaeologist in the ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ series, Jolie has showcased her versatility time and again. But Angelina Jolie isn’t just about the silver screen. Her heart beats for the world.
As a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), she’s been the voice for countless souls seeking refuge and hope. Her directorial ventures echo her depth, and her choices as a producer reflect her commitment to meaningful cinema. With every role, she seems to be asking one question: “What’s next?” And honestly, we’re all ears and eyes. So, for those who’ve been on the Jolie journey or are just about to hop on, here’s a sneak peek into the upcoming chapters of Angelina Jolie’s cinematic saga.
1. Maria (2024)
Directed by the Oscar-nominated filmmaker Pablo Larraín and based on a script by Steven Knight, ‘Maria’ is an upcoming biopic that delves into the beautiful and tragic life of Maria Callas, the world’s greatest opera singer, as she relives and reimagines her final days in 1970s Paris. Born in Manhattan, she underwent opera training in Greece and later moved to Italy to continue her illustrious career. She faced personal and professional challenges throughout her life, including a rivalry with Italian opera singer Renata Tebaldi and a tumultuous affair with Aristotle Onassis.
Angelina Jolie is set to embody the essence of Maria Callas, bringing to life the singer’s passion, struggles, and brilliance. Jolie’s collaboration with Pablo Larraín is eagerly anticipated, especially considering Larraín’s penchant for crafting lauded biopics such as ‘Spencer’ and ‘Jackie.’ Besides Jolie, the cast includes Valeria Golino, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Pierfrancesco Favino, and Alba Rohrwacher. The film premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where it competed for the Golden Lion, and is expected to be released on September 29, 2024.
2. Without Blood (TBA)
‘Without Blood’ is an upcoming drama film directed by Angelina Jolie. Drawing its essence from Alessandro Baricco’s novel bearing the same name, the narrative traverses a young girl’s journey amidst warfare, touching upon profound truths encompassing war, healing, memory, and the emotional wounds they inflict. The film is all set to navigate the depths of human bonds and the indelible marks left by harrowing experiences. Though the precise storyline is a mystery, the buzz is hard to miss, with Jolie’s track record of crafting deeply evocative cinematic pieces.
The film features a stellar cast of Salma Hayek, Demián Bichir, Juan Minujín, Andrés Delgado, Alfredo Herrera, Patricio José, and Bernardo Tuccillo. Angelina Jolie wears multiple hats for this venture, both as the film’s director and writer, underscoring her myriad talents in the world of showbiz. The film premiered in the Special Presentations section at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024, but is yet to get a theatrical release date.
3. Maleficent 3 (TBA)
‘Maleficent 3’ is an upcoming fantasy film continuing the captivating story of the iconic Disney villain. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the film promises to dig deeper into the complex relationship between Maleficent and Princess Aurora, exploring the themes of love, betrayal, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Angelina Jolie reprises her role as Maleficent, bringing her signature blend of grace and intensity to the screen.
Joining the cinematic saga is Elle Fanning, reprising her role as Princess Aurora. While the full ensemble remains a mystery, earlier movies showcased the likes of Michelle Pfeiffer, Sam Riley, and Harris Dickinson, elevating hopes of their return for this next installment. Jamue Collet-Serra will be directing it. While there’s no teaser in sight, movie lovers globally are buzzing with excitement, eager for a sneak peek of the mesmerizing narrative. The magic, currently in pre-production, is expected to unfold on the big screen in 2025.
4. Maude v Maude (TBA)
‘Maude v Maude’ is an upcoming global action thriller directed by Roseanne Liang (‘Shadow in the Cloud’) based on a script by Scott Mosier (‘The Grinch’). The film promises to be a riveting face-off between two spies, drawing parallels to iconic spy characters like James Bond and Jason Bourne. While the exact plot remains under wraps, the movie is already generating buzz due to its stellar cast. Angelina Jolie, who showcased her mettle as an action star in action-packed films like ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ and ‘Wanted,’ will be one of the leading stars.
Joining Jolie in this high-octane thriller is Halle Berry, another Hollywood heavyweight with notable action roles such as the Bond girl Jinx in ‘Die Another Day’ and Storm in the ‘X-Men’ series. Both Jolie and Berry are not only starring in the film but are also attached as producers, showcasing their multifaceted talents in the industry. The collaboration between these two Oscar-winning actresses is highly anticipated, as this marks the first time they will share the screen. Their previous ventures into the action genre and their acting prowess have raised expectations for ‘Maude v Maude.’ The project is currently in its pre-production phase, so there is still time before we get any news about a potential release date.
5. Every Note Played (TBA)
‘Every Note Played’ is an upcoming drama directed by Michael Sucsy. The film is an adaptation of Lisa Genova’s contemporary romance novel of the same name. The story revolves around an accomplished concert pianist named Richard, portrayed by Christoph Waltz, who has faced numerous personal losses, including estrangement from his daughter. As tragedy strikes, Richard is diagnosed with ALS in his hands, which progressively worsens, rendering him unable to play the piano or live independently.
Angelina Jolie plays Karina, Richard’s ex-wife, who, despite their past differences, steps in to become his caregiver during these challenging times. The film promises a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships. The project is currently in pre-production, and while a release date has not been confirmed, anticipation is building for this emotional narrative. Currently, no official teaser or trailer is available for the film.
Read More: Is Girl, Interrupted a True Story?
