Angelina Jolie is a name that is synonymous with both Hollywood stardom and global humanitarian work. Over the decades, she has captivated audiences with her performances in films ranging from action-packed blockbusters to critically acclaimed dramas. With her powerful presence, both on-screen and off-screen, Jolie has become an icon in the film industry. However, over the past several years, her acting career has slowed down as she has taken on more directorial projects, humanitarian efforts, and family responsibilities.
So, when was Angelina Jolie’s last movie? This article explores Jolie’s most recent film roles, the evolution of her career, and her decision to step back from acting to pursue other passions. Let’s take a closer look at when Angelina Jolie last graced the big screen, and what the future may hold for this iconic actress.
A Star in Hollywood
Angelina Jolie’s rise to fame can be traced back to the late 1990s when she began to take on a wide variety of roles in both film and television. It was her portrayal of the eccentric and tragic model Gia Carangi in the HBO biopic Gia (1998) that marked her breakthrough. Following that success, she went on to star in films such as Girl, Interrupted (1999), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
In the years that followed, Jolie solidified her position as one of Hollywood’s top stars, starring in major franchises like Tomb Raider, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Maleficent. She became known for her versatility, transitioning from action-packed roles to deep, emotional portrayals, and her performances in movies like A Mighty Heart (2007) and The Tourist (2010) demonstrated her wide acting range.
Jolie was also known for her humanitarian efforts, which earned her the title of Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and later a Special Envoy for the UNHCR. Her influence in both the entertainment industry and global humanitarian circles became a defining feature of her public image.
The Transition to Directing
In the early 2010s, Jolie began transitioning to a new role behind the camera. She made her directorial debut with the film In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011), which explored the Bosnian War and its effects on human relationships. The film was praised for its heartfelt depiction of a sensitive and politically complex topic. She followed this up with the World War II drama Unbroken (2014), which focused on the life of Olympian and war hero Louis Zamperini. The film was well-received and garnered several award nominations.
Jolie’s directing career continued with By the Sea (2015), which she also starred in alongside her then-husband Brad Pitt. Although the film didn’t receive the same level of acclaim as her previous directorial efforts, it showed her interest in complex human emotions and relationships. She also directed First They Killed My Father (2017), a critically acclaimed adaptation of Loung Ung’s memoir about surviving the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. The film was a standout at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival and was well-received by critics.
During this time, Jolie’s acting career became less prominent. She appeared in a few projects, but her focus increasingly shifted to directing, producing, and her humanitarian endeavors. Fans began to wonder when they would see her on-screen again in a major role.
Angelina Jolie’s Last Movie: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)
Angelina Jolie’s most recent film appearance was in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, the 2019 sequel to Maleficent (2014), in which she reprised her iconic role as the dark fairy Maleficent. The film, directed by Joachim Rønning, continues the story of Maleficent and her relationship with Princess Aurora (played by Elle Fanning).
In Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Jolie’s character Maleficent confronts new challenges as she becomes entangled in a political conflict between the kingdom of Ulstead and the magical creatures who inhabit the Moors. While the film explores themes of family, loyalty, and forgiveness, it also dives deeper into the complex relationship between the two women at the center of the story: Maleficent and Aurora.
The movie, while not as successful as the first Maleficent film, still performed well at the box office, grossing over $490 million worldwide. Critics generally appreciated Jolie’s performance, with many praising her ability to portray Maleficent as both fierce and sympathetic. Jolie’s strong presence in the film showed that, even after years of being away from major film roles, she was still able to captivate audiences with her commanding performance.
Despite the commercial success, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil marked the final appearance of Jolie in a major studio film for the time being.
After its release, she took a step back from acting to focus on her family and humanitarian work.
Why Did Angelina Jolie Step Away from Acting?
After Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Angelina Jolie’s film career seemed to slow down. In interviews, Jolie has explained that her decision to step back from acting came down to a combination of personal and professional factors. At the time, she was navigating a highly publicized divorce from Brad Pitt, and her focus shifted to being there for her six children, whom she shares with Pitt. As a mother, Jolie has been vocal about the importance of her family and has explained that she chose to prioritize them over her acting career during this period.
Additionally, Jolie’s interest in directing became more pronounced, and she continued to develop and direct films that aligned with her personal passions. First They Killed My Father, a deeply personal and politically charged project, further cemented her role as a director rather than a traditional Hollywood star. Jolie also spoke about how her humanitarian work gave her a sense of purpose that went beyond the entertainment industry, and she found fulfillment in her efforts to bring attention to global crises, including those involving refugees and displaced people.
However, this does not mean that Jolie has entirely left acting behind. She has remained open to future roles, but has made it clear that her choice to act again would have to align with her personal goals and the kinds of stories she wants to tell.
What’s Next for Angelina Jolie?
As of now, Jolie’s future in film remains somewhat uncertain. While she has not signed on for any major acting projects, she continues to keep a strong presence in Hollywood. She has also expressed her desire to take on roles that inspire change and highlight important social issues. Given her passion for storytelling and advocacy, it is possible that Jolie may return to acting, but her projects are likely to be more selective and in line with her personal values.
In 2021, Jolie starred in Those Who Wish Me Dead, a thriller directed by Taylor Sheridan. While the film did not receive widespread critical acclaim, it marked her return to the screen after a few years away. In the film, Jolie plays a smokejumper named Hannah who must protect a young boy from assassins in the Montana wilderness. The film was a solid box office performer, and Jolie’s portrayal of a tough, resilient character received positive reviews.
Jolie is also set to star in an upcoming action film Come Away, directed by Brenda Chapman, in which she plays the mother of Peter Pan and Alice from Alice in Wonderland. This project is still in the early stages, and it remains to be seen when it will be released.
Aside from acting, Jolie’s work as a director and producer continues to thrive. She has several upcoming projects in development, including The Kept, a drama she is set to direct. She has also worked as an executive producer on various humanitarian-focused documentaries.
Conclusion
Angelina Jolie’s last major film appearance was in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019), a sequel to the 2014 hit. Since then, Jolie has shifted her focus toward her family, humanitarian work, and directing. While she has taken a break from acting in blockbuster films, her legacy as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actresses remains intact.
Although it’s unclear when or if Jolie will return to acting full-time, her passion for meaningful storytelling and social impact ensures that whatever projects she chooses to pursue will continue to inspire and captivate audiences. Whether behind the camera or in front of it, Angelina Jolie’s influence on both Hollywood and the world at large is undeniable.
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