Overview

• Universal is finalizing deal points to acquire and finance The Initiative, aiming to begin filming in the first quarter of 2026 if the agreement closes.
• Angelina Jolie will star as Bright, a rogue master spy who trains a new agent in a morally ambiguous mentor–mentee storyline.
• Doug Liman, reuniting with Jolie from Mr. and Mrs. Smith, is set to direct the espionage thriller.
• F. Scott Frazier is attached to write the screenplay, and Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum’s RK Films will produce, building on their past collaborations with Jolie.
• Universal has tapped executive VP Jay Polidoro and development head Tony Ducret to oversee the project once the studio deal is finalized.