If you’ve been keeping an eye on the trades lately, you probably noticed that the "Angelina Jolie era" isn’t over. It’s just... different. For a while there, it felt like she’d basically disappeared into her humanitarian work and the endless, messy headlines of her divorce. We saw her as a Marvel warrior in Eternals and a fire jumper in Those Who Wish Me Dead, but those felt like paycheck gigs, or at least projects where she was just a small part of a much bigger machine.
But things have shifted. Right now, in early 2026, we’re seeing a version of Jolie that feels a lot more like the artist who won an Oscar for Girl, Interrupted. She’s leaning into the "prestige" side of things—roles that are difficult, vocal, and deeply personal.
The Performance of a Lifetime in Maria
Honestly, if you haven't caught Maria yet, you need to find a screen for it. It premiered back in late 2024 at Venice and hit Netflix shortly after, but people are still talking about it. Directed by Pablo Larraín—the guy who did those intense portraits of Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana—it follows the final, tragic days of opera legend Maria Callas in 1970s Paris.
Jolie didn't just show up and lip-sync. She actually trained for seven months to sing opera.
The movie is sort of a fever dream. It’s set in this gorgeous, claustrophobic Paris apartment where Maria is basically losing her mind and her voice at the same time. There’s this specific scene where she’s wearing these massive glasses, walking through the streets of Paris, looking both like a goddess and a ghost. Critics have been calling it her best work in years. It’s cold, it’s haughty, and it’s heartbreaking.
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Couture and the Fashion Week Drama
Following the success of Maria, she stayed in Paris to film Couture, which is literally hitting theaters right now (February 18, 2026). This one is directed by Alice Winocour, and it’s interesting because it feels so close to Jolie's real life.
She plays Maxine Walker, an American filmmaker who gets a breast cancer diagnosis right in the middle of the chaos of Paris Fashion Week.
- The Vibe: It’s half-glamour, half-gritty realism.
- The Connection: Jolie’s own history with health—specifically her preventive double mastectomy—makes her performance as Maxine feel incredibly raw.
- The Cast: You’ve got Louis Garrel playing her love interest and model Anyier Anei making a huge debut.
It’s not just a "fashion movie." It’s about women’s bodies and the secrets people carry while they’re standing under a spotlight.
Is She Still an Action Star?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: She’s being way more selective.
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While she’s doing these heavy dramas, she hasn’t totally left the guns and car chases behind. There’s a movie called Sunny that’s been in the works with Eva Sørhaug. Think of it as a dark, "mafia-style" thriller. Jolie plays a mother and a gangster who has to protect her kids from a drug kingpin. It’s very much in that John Wick meets Sons of Anarchy vein, but with a lot more focus on the "motherhood" aspect of survival.
Then there’s The Initiative. This is the one that has everyone excited because it reunites her with Doug Liman—the director of Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
It’s an espionage thriller where she plays a rogue spy named Bright. It’s being described as Training Day but in the world of high-stakes spycraft. They’re filming it right now, so don't expect to see it until 2027, but the hype is real.
What’s Happening with Maleficent 3?
Everyone keeps asking about the horns. Disney confirmed Maleficent 3 is in development, and Jolie is officially back. However, don't hold your breath for a trailer next week. It’s currently slated for a 2028 release.
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She’s also been spending a ton of time behind the camera. Her latest directorial effort, Without Blood, which stars Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir, is a brutal, minimalist look at war and revenge. It’s a tough watch. It’s based on the Alessandro Baricco novel and proves that Jolie is more interested in telling uncomfortable stories than making easy blockbusters.
Angelina Jolie’s 2024–2026 Movie Timeline
| Film | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Maria (2024) | Maria Callas | Out now (Netflix/Theaters) |
| Without Blood (2024) | Director/Writer | Limited Release |
| Couture (2026) | Maxine Walker | In Theaters Now |
| Sunny (2026/27) | Lead / Producer | In Production |
| The Initiative (2027) | Bright | Filming |
| Maleficent 3 (2028) | Maleficent | In Development |
The "New Chapter" Away from LA
There’s a lot of talk about her moving to Europe or Cambodia full-time now that her youngest kids are turning 18. You can see it in her work—she’s filming in Paris, London, and Rome. She’s leaning into her Atelier Jolie fashion collective in New York and seemingly pulling away from the "Hollywood" scene entirely.
Basically, if you’re looking for Angelina Jolie recent movies, look toward the independent and international projects. She’s done with the fluff.
If you want to catch up on her most impactful recent work, start with Maria on Netflix for the acting masterclass, then check out the Couture trailer to see where she’s heading next. It’s a good time to be a fan if you like movies that actually have something to say.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check local listings for Couture—it's a theatrical experience for the visuals alone.
- Watch Without Blood if you want to understand her perspective as a director on the costs of war.
- Keep an eye on production updates for The Initiative if you’re waiting for her return to high-octane action.