Angelina Jolie is returning to her action roots, embarking on production for a new dark thriller titled 'Sunny'. The film, reported by Deadline, sees the Oscar-winning actress take on the role of a female gangster fighting to protect her sons from a violent drug lord.
From Opera Legend to Gangster Mother
This new project follows Jolie's critically acclaimed performance as opera legend Maria Callas in the biopic 'Maria', a role which earned her a string of award nominations earlier this year. However, Jolie has now revealed she secured the part by being economical with the truth about her vocal abilities.
She confessed to Variety that when director Pablo Larraín asked if she could sing, she lied. 'I had never sung,' Jolie admitted, explaining that a past negative comment had 'shut her down'. She added, 'Obviously, nobody can sing like Maria. No one. But I'll do my best.' The actress believed she could 'movie sing' her way through until her first proper lesson with a music teacher.
A 'Tour-de-Force' in a Violent World
Back to her latest venture, 'Sunny' is described as a gritty story where the protagonist has just hours to plan a permanent escape for her family following a traumatic event. The film is being directed by Norwegian filmmaker Eva Sørhaug from a script by William Day Frank, based on a story they conceived together.
Producers are already hailing Jolie's commitment. Mark Fasano of Nickel City Pictures called her a 'tour-de-force', telling Deadline: 'People are going to be shocked by what she brings with this riveting character.' He described the film's world as 'grounded in survival and family led by a mother doing anything and everything within her power to protect her two boys.'
Nathan Klingher of Gramercy Park Media agreed, stating: 'Angelina has made this role uniquely her own. Strong, character-driven thrillers like this are rare, and the attention to detail that she and Eva have brought to the film is impressive to watch.'
Advocacy Amidst Action: Jolie's Frontline Visit to Ukraine
This professional news comes shortly after Jolie's humanitarian visit to Ukraine in early November 2025. The actress and Special Envoy travelled near the front lines in the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions, which are under constant threat from Russian forces.
According to her foundation, the Legacy of War Foundation, Jolie witnessed how medical and educational institutions have been relocated into reinforced underground spaces to continue operating. 'The people of Mykolaiv and Kherson live with danger every day, but they refuse to give in,' Jolie said in a statement.
She added a pointed critique: 'At a time when governments around the world are turning their backs on the protection of civilians, their strength, and their support for each other is humbling.' Kherson city remains a frequent target due to its proximity to Russian-occupied territory on the opposite bank of the Dnipro River.
Jolie's career continues to bridge intense dramatic roles with global advocacy, positioning her as one of Hollywood's most compelling and active figures.
