It’s been over a decade since the "Brangelina" era imploded, and honestly, the world still can't stop looking. But the focus has shifted. It isn’t just about the messy court filings or the Chateau Miraval drama anymore. It's about the kids. All six of them. They aren't the toddlers we remember being carried through airports by a swarm of security.
They’re adults. Well, mostly.
As of January 2026, the youngest ones are staring down their 18th birthdays. The oldest is pushing 25. If you've been following the headlines, you've probably noticed a pattern: they are choosing sides, dropping names, and carving out lives that look nothing like the typical Hollywood "nepo baby" trajectory.
The Name Change Movement: Why "Jolie-Pitt" is Fading
Something big happened when the kids started hitting legal age. They didn't just move out; they moved on. Most notably, they've been systematically shedding the "Pitt" part of their hyphenated surnames.
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It started with Zahara. When she joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at Spelman College, she introduced herself as "Zahara Marley Jolie." No Pitt. Then came Shiloh. On her 18th birthday in May 2024, she didn't wait for a publicist to handle it. She hired her own lawyer—and paid for it herself—to legally drop her father’s name.
The Rise of "Shi Joli"
By mid-2025, Shiloh had taken it a step further. She made her professional debut as a choreographer at an Isabel Marant event in Los Angeles under the stage name Shi Joli. It’s a bold move. It signals a complete break from the "Jolie-Pitt" brand that defined her childhood.
Vivienne followed suit shortly after. When she helped her mother produce the Broadway musical The Outsiders, the Playbill didn’t list her as Vivienne Jolie-Pitt. It just said Vivienne Jolie. While it's unclear if all the legal paperwork is finished for every sibling, the message is loud. It’s clear. They are a united front.
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Where Are They Now? A 2026 Status Update
If you’re trying to keep track of who is doing what, it’s a lot. They’re spread across continents and industries.
- Maddox (24): The eldest. He’s the one who reportedly hasn't spoken to Brad since that infamous 2016 plane incident. After studying biochemistry at Yonsei University in South Korea, he’s pivoted back to film. Recently, he’s been working as a third assistant director on Angelina’s new film, Stitches, in Paris.
- Pax (22): He’s the artist. He’s also the one who gave everyone a massive scare in 2024 after a serious e-bike accident in L.A. He suffered significant head trauma, and while he’s recovered, you can still see the scars on his forehead during red-carpet appearances. He’s been doing digital art under the pseudonym "Embti" to avoid the fame trap.
- Zahara (21): She’s currently a senior at Spelman College. Aside from her studies, she’s been running the Zahara Collection, a jewelry line she launched years ago with Robert Procop. All the proceeds go to shelters for victims of domestic violence.
- Shiloh (19): The dancer. Everyone thought she’d be an actress because she looks so much like her parents, but she’s obsessed with the L.A. dance scene. She spends hours at the Millennium Dance Complex.
- Knox and Vivienne (17): The twins. They turn 18 in July 2026. Knox is the most private of the bunch—he’s rarely seen unless it’s a rare red carpet with his mom. Vivienne, however, is the theater nerd. She’s the one who dragged Angelina to see The Outsiders and basically forced her to produce it.
The "End is in Sight" for the Legal Battle
For years, the custody battle over the "minor children" kept Angelina tied to Los Angeles. She’s been open about hating the "toxic" atmosphere of the city. But 2026 is the turning point.
Once Knox and Vivienne turn 18 this July, the court loses its grip on where they live. There will be no more "minor children" to fight over. Insiders close to the family say Angelina is already prepping to sell her L.A. home and move abroad—likely to Cambodia or Europe. She wants a life that isn't centered on the paparazzi lens or the California legal system.
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The Bond That Holds Them Together
You'd think a family this famous would be fractured, especially with the estrangement from their father. But it’s the opposite. The Angelina Jolie children are incredibly tight-knit.
Recent reports from early 2026 suggest they’ve formed a sort of "protective circle" around their mother. With the stress of the decade-long divorce taking a toll on her health, the kids have a rotation. Someone is almost always with her. It’s not out of obligation; it’s out of a fierce, almost militant loyalty.
They don't do many interviews. They don't have public, verified Instagram accounts where they post "get ready with me" videos. They’re moving in silence, which is perhaps the most "un-Hollywood" thing they could do.
Actionable Takeaways for Following the Family
If you're looking for the most authentic updates on the Jolie-Pitt kids, stop looking at gossip tabloids that quote "anonymous sources" close to Brad. Instead, look at:
- Professional Credits: Check Playbills and film crew lists. This is where they are establishing their real identities (like "Shi Joli" or Vivienne’s production assistant roles).
- Charity Portals: Follow the work of the Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt Foundation or the Zahara Collection. They tend to communicate through their work rather than PR statements.
- The July 2026 Milestone: Keep an eye on the twins' 18th birthday. This is the date when the last legal tether to Brad Pitt officially snaps, likely triggering a massive family relocation.
The story isn't about the divorce anymore. It's about a group of young adults who are very intentionally deciding who they want to be, and more importantly, what name they want to carry into the future.