From Opera Diva To Gangster: Angelina Jolie's 3 Most Anticipated New Films That Will Shock You

Angelina Jolie, a name synonymous with Hollywood royalty, humanitarian work, and iconic action roles, is set for a dramatic career shift with a slate of new projects that will redefine her filmography. As of December 2025, the Oscar-winning actress is moving from the historical intensity of her recent work to the high-stakes world of fashion and a long-awaited return to the gritty action-thriller genre.

The latest buzz centers around two major upcoming films, Couture and Sunny, which showcase Jolie’s range as she takes on complex, vulnerable, and intensely powerful female characters. These projects, helmed by acclaimed directors, are set to dominate the film festival circuit and streaming platforms, proving that Jolie’s star power is as strong and versatile as ever.

Angelina Jolie: A Brief Biography and Filmography Snapshot

Angelina Jolie Voight was born on June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California. She is an Academy Award-winning actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Hollywood. Her career is marked by a diverse range of roles, from blockbuster action star to critically acclaimed dramatic lead.

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• Full Name: Angelina Jolie Voight
• Born: June 4, 1975 (Age 50 as of 2025)
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Filmmaker, Humanitarian
• Key Awards: Academy Award (1), Screen Actors Guild Awards (2), Golden Globe Awards (3)
• Breakthrough Roles: Gia (1998), Girl, Interrupted (1999)
• Iconic Franchises: Lara Croft in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), Maleficent in Maleficent (2014)
• Notable Action/Thriller Films: Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), Wanted (2008), Salt (2010)
• Recent Work: Eternals (2021), Maria (2024)

The High-Fashion Drama: Couture (2025)

One of Angelina Jolie’s most anticipated and unique projects is the French drama Couture, which is slated for a major premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and a theatrical release on October 15, 2025, in some territories.

This film is a profound departure from her recent blockbuster roles, delving into the intimate and fragile world of haute couture and personal crisis. The project is directed by the acclaimed French filmmaker Alice Winocour, known for her powerful, character-driven work.

Plot & Role Details: Maxine, The Horror Director

In Couture, Jolie takes on the complex role of Maxine, an American horror film director who is hired by a prestigious French fashion house.

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Her task is to create a gothic horror short film that will introduce their new collection during Paris Fashion Week.

However, the film’s narrative quickly pivots from the dazzling exterior of the fashion world to a deeply personal struggle. Maxine is simultaneously dealing with a devastating breast cancer diagnosis, which forces her to confront the "fragility of life" while navigating the intense, artistic environment of the fashion industry.

The film is described as fluctuating between the worlds of high fashion and hospitals, a poignant juxtaposition that explores themes of beauty, mortality, and artistic expression.

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Jolie’s co-stars include Louis Garrel, Ella Rumpf, and Garance Marillier, adding a strong European ensemble to the film.

The film is a co-production, produced by CG Cinéma, and marks a significant artistic choice for Jolie, who is also one of the producers on the project.

The Gritty Action Comeback: Sunny (A Dark Thriller)

After a five-year hiatus from the action genre—the style of film that made her a global superstar in hits like Salt and Mr. & Mrs. Smith—Angelina Jolie is officially making her return with the dark thriller, Sunny.

Production for Sunny has already commenced, generating immense excitement among fans eager to see her back in a high-stakes, physically demanding role.

Director, Cast, and Plot: A Protective Gangster Mother

Sunny is directed by Eva Sørhaug, a Norwegian filmmaker known for her gripping work on acclaimed series like Tokyo Vice and Yellowjackets.

This collaboration promises a film with a sharp, dark, and psychological edge. Jolie is not only starring but also producing the film.

In the film, Jolie plays a female gangster—a criminal figure who is trying to protect someone.

Early reports suggest she portrays a protective gangster mother, a role that taps into both her established action persona and her dramatic depth as a protective figure.

The only other confirmed cast member, as of the latest news, is Charlie Plummer, who is set to lead the mob thriller alongside Jolie.

The combination of Jolie’s star power, Sørhaug’s intense directorial style, and the high-stakes crime drama plot solidifies Sunny as one of the most anticipated thrillers of the next year, marking a genuine, welcome return to the genre that cemented her legacy.

Her Most Recent Triumph: Maria (2024)

Before looking forward to Couture and Sunny, it is essential to acknowledge Jolie’s most recent and critically significant dramatic role in the 2024 biographical film, Maria.

Directed by Pablo Larraín, the film focuses on the life of the legendary 20th-century opera singer, Maria Callas.

The narrative is a psychological drama that follows the week before Callas's death in 1977 Paris, as she reflects on her tumultuous life and career.

Jolie's performance as the influential soprano was widely praised, showcasing her ability to transform into a historical figure and delve into the intense emotional landscape of a woman at the end of her life.

The film, which also stars Valeria Golino as Callas's sister, is a testament to Jolie’s commitment to profound, character-driven storytelling, bridging the gap between her past action roles and her future, diverse projects.

Why These New Films Matter for Angelina Jolie's Career

The upcoming slate of films—Couture and Sunny—represents a strategic and exciting phase in Angelina Jolie’s career. By choosing to work with international auteurs like Alice Winocour and Eva Sørhaug, she is prioritizing challenging, character-focused narratives over pure commercial spectacle.

Couture allows her to explore vulnerability and artistic identity in a European drama setting, a far cry from Hollywood blockbusters. Conversely, Sunny provides the perfect vehicle for her action comeback, but with a darker, more complex, and female-driven thriller narrative. Fans and critics alike are buzzing about this new era, where Jolie is not just a star, but an actress and producer actively shaping her own powerful and diverse cinematic future.