Doug Liman Sets Angelina Jolie Spy Thriller ‘The Initiative’ as Next Film After $275M Tom Cruise Project Stalls

I’ve always had a soft spot for Doug Liman. His career has had its stumbles — “Jumper,” anyone? — but he’s never been one to take the straight path. From the sharp, talky rhythms of “Swingers” to the kinetic action of “The Bourne Identity,” the chaotic energy of “Go,” the sci-fi theatrics of “Edge of Tomorrow,” and the underrated double bill of “American Made” and “The Wall,” Liman’s films constantly balance action with a restless sense of control.

Liman’s long-gestating underwater thriller “Deeper,” starring Tom Cruise, recently hit choppy waters when its August shoot was delayed over a staggering $275M budget request. With that project temporarily on pause, Liman has pivoted to what now looks like his real next film.

THR is reporting that he’s reuniting with Angelina Jolie for “The Initiative,” a spy thriller that marks their first collaboration since “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” Universal nabbed the project in a heated bidding war, with Jolie starring, Liman directing, and F. Scott Frazier scripting.

Pitched as “Training Day” in the espionage world, it follows Jolie’s Bright, a rogue master spy who works entirely off the books. When a rookie named Charlie joins her crew, he quickly begins to wonder whether she’s trying to kill him — or simply willing to do whatever it takes to safeguard the free world. Universal is eyeing a quick turnaround, with production slated to start in early 2026.

For those wondering, Liman won’t be back for “Road House 2” — no surprise, given his frosty relationship with Amazon over their decision to skip a theatrical release for the first film. Other projects remain in the wings, including his Stephen King adaptation of “The Stand” for Paramount, still in its early development stage and likely a beast to mount.

That unpredictability is precisely what makes Liman such an intriguing studio filmmaker. His career has zigzagged through genres, retooling familiar formulas. He turned “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” — one of his lesser entries — into espionage couples therapy, and even last year’s streaming-bound “Road House” remake had a scrappy, bruised-knuckle charm that made it far more watchable than it had any right to be.

Liman may be a studio hire, but he’s one who can shape the gig into something distinctly his own. We’ll see what he does with this Jolie reunion, which will most likely aim for 2027 release.