Angelina Jolie may return to the action film realm once again, in a true story of an Air Force helicopter pilot’s combat rescue missions.
Angelina Jolie may be in the news more lately because of her divorce from Brad Pitt, but her career as an actress continues. Though her big screen schedule has slowed in recent years, 2014’s Maleficent showed she still has box office power with the right vehicle; the Disney film grossed over $750 million worldwide on a $180 million budget.
That success means a Maleficent sequel is in the works, and Jolie is frequently attached to casting rumors for other upcoming films. While the actress was well known for her action roles in the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider franchise, Wanted, and Salt, the last five years have seen the actress focus more on drama, voice work, and directing.
Now we may seen a return to a much more physical role. Deadline reports that Jolie is in early discussions for a film adaptation of the autobiography Shoot Like A Girl: One Woman’s Dramatic Fight In Afghanistan and on the Home Front. Written by Air Force Major Mary Jennings Hegar, a rescue pilot who served three tours in Afghanistan, the story spans Hegar’s time in the military as well as her later lawsuit against the Department of Defense for its official policy on keeping women away from direct combat.
Hegar’s military service will provide plenty of action for the big screen. During one of her many missions to transport soldiers out of hot zones in Afghanistan, her helicopter was shot down by the Taliban. Despite sustaining injuries that later disqualified her to fly, the major protected her team as well as the three Americans they were sent to rescue, getting all to safety after a “daring and death-defying escape.” Her continued bravery and excellence in service earned her the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Jolie’s action film resume and star power definitely seem like a good fit for this film adaptation. The story will likely cover both the combat missions and the eventual lawsuit, making the actress’ age of 41 less problematic than if the film only focused on the major’s early years in the military. Considering her recent career trajectory, this film plays into Jolie’s strengths as well as fitting into her desire to tackle more serious films. If done well, the powerful story, riveting action sequences, and triumphant ending also sound like a solid bet for a box office hit as well as an awards season contender.
Source: https://deadline.com
