Angelina Jolie takes creative control on latest film ‘Sunny’

Angelina Jolie is stepping into a bold new chapter of her career, taking the reins like never before.

Following years of acclaimed acting and award-winning performances, Jolie isn’t just starring in her latest project, Sunny, she’s also producing it, giving her unprecedented creative control over the film’s vision.

The dark crime thriller marks her return to gangster‑style roles for the first time since 1998’s Hell’s Kitchen, placing her in the gritty world of survival, family, and maternal protection.

Let’s break down why this project is shaping up to be a major milestone for Jolie, both in front of and behind the camera.

A Return to the Underworld

The Oscar-winning actress has begun production on ‘Sunny,’ a dark thriller that marks her first gangster role since 1998’s Hell’s Kitchen. This time around, Jolie is not just starring but also taking creative control as a producer alongside director Eva Sørhaug.

The film follows a female gangster fighting to protect her sons and herself from an abusive drug kingpin. When a devastating event strikes, she has only hours to orchestrate their permanent escape. According to Deadline, the project is being made in the spirit of classic mafia films for Gramercy Park Media, A Higher Standard, and Nickel City Pictures.

The film reunites audiences with the intense, character-driven performances that made Jolie a household name. Her involvement behind the scenes suggests a deeply personal connection to the material and its violent yet survival-focused narrative.

This marks a major return to action-oriented roles for Jolie, who has spent recent years focusing on dramatic performances. Her most recent work includes portraying opera legend Maria Callas in Maria, which earned her Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Award nominations.

The Creative Partnership Behind the Camera

Director Eva Sørhaug brings impressive credentials to Sunny, having helmed episodes of acclaimed series like Tokyo Vice and Yellowjackets. The Norwegian filmmaker is known for her psychological thrillers and character-driven storytelling.

The script was written by William Day Frank based on a story he conceived with Sørhaug. This collaborative approach between writer and director suggests a cohesive creative vision from the start. The screenplay focuses on themes of survival, family bonds, and maternal protection.

Producer Mark Fasano of Nickel City Pictures praised the collaborative creative process. He stated, “This violent world that Eva and Angelina have crafted is grounded in survival and family.” The partnership between Jolie and Sørhaug appears to be a central element driving the film’s unique vision.

Sørhaug’s television work on series known for psychological depth and complex female characters makes her an ideal match for this project. Her episodes of Yellowjackets particularly demonstrated her ability to explore trauma, survival instincts, and the darker aspects of human nature.

What the Producers Are Saying About Jolie’s Performance

The buzz around Jolie’s performance in Sunny is already generating significant excitement within the industry. Producer Mark Fasano called Jolie ‘a tour-de-force’ and made bold predictions about audience reactions. “People are going to be shocked by what she brings with this riveting character,” Fasano said.

Nathan Klingher of Gramercy Park Media echoed this enthusiasm about Jolie’s approach to the role. Klingher stated that “Angelina has made this role uniquely her own.” He emphasized that strong character-driven thrillers like this are rare in today’s cinematic landscape.

Klingher further noted that the attention to detail that “she and Eva have brought to the film is impressive to watch.” The collaborative nature of their working relationship appears to be elevating the project beyond typical action thrillers. Their shared vision is creating something that producers believe will stand out in the crowded thriller genre.

Jolie’s Busy Slate of Upcoming Projects

Beyond Sunny, Angelina Jolie has assembled an impressive lineup of upcoming films across various genres. She recently starred in Couture, Alice Winocour’s fashion week drama that premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.

Jolie is also set to appear in Anxious People, a comedy directed by Marc Forster. This marks a departure from her typically dramatic roles and showcases her versatility as an actress. The film represents Jolie’s willingness to explore different genres and challenge herself.

Another major project on the horizon is The Initiative, a spy thriller that reunites Jolie with Doug Liman. The director previously worked with Jolie on the blockbuster hit Mr. & Mrs. Smith alongside Brad Pitt.

The variety in Jolie’s upcoming projects demonstrates her continued relevance and appeal across multiple demographics. From intense thrillers to high fashion dramas to comedy, she refuses to be typecast or limited to any single genre. This strategic career management has kept her at the forefront of Hollywood for decades.

Why This Role Matters for Jolie’s Career

Sunny represents a significant milestone in Angelina Jolie’s career trajectory for several reasons. First, it marks her return to the gangster genre after 27 years, reconnecting her with the edgy roles that initially established her reputation.

She has previously directed films, including Unbroken and First They Killed My Father, demonstrating her storytelling abilities. Now she is combining her acting talents with creative control, giving her unprecedented influence over the final product.

This project arrives at a moment when Jolie is receiving critical acclaim for her dramatic work in Maria. The juxtaposition between playing opera legend Maria Callas and a violent gangster mother showcases her remarkable range.

The timing also coincides with increased industry focus on female-led action films and complex female characters. Jolie has been a pioneer in this space throughout her career with roles in Salt, Tomb Raider, and Wanted.

TL;DR

• Angelina Jolie stars in and produces Sunny, her first gangster role in 27 years since Hell’s Kitchen.
• The film is directed by Eva Sørhaug, known for Tokyo Vice and Yellowjackets episodes.
• Production has already begun with Gramercy Park Media, A Higher Standard, and Nickel City Pictures.
• The script by William Day Frank emphasizes survival, family, and maternal protection themes.
• Jolie recently earned Golden Globe nominations for playing Maria Callas in Maria.
• Her upcoming projects include Couture, Anxious People, and spy thriller The Initiative.
• Jolie’s producer role gives her significant creative control over the project’s direction.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.