Angelina Jolie Reveals The Action Movie She Says Was Not Sexy Enough

Angelina Jolie has been one of Hollywood’s most versatile stars for years. She moved from blockbuster action films like Wanted and Mr. & Mrs. Smith to directing serious projects like First They Killed My Father. Her work has earned her critical praise and even an Academy Award.

But not every role left her satisfied. In 2001, she starred as the famous video game archaeologist Lara Croft in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. While the movie was a commercial hit, Jolie has said it didn’t give her the depth she wanted as an actor. “The character stayed a video vixen instead of feeling real and emotional,” she explained in an interview.

Her co-star Daniel Craig was even harsher about the experience. He later called the film “the worst mistake of my career,” pointing out that the production lacked a solid script and clear direction. Craig said it was hard to make sense of a plot that included bizarre elements like eight-foot green monkeys.

Since then, Jolie has shifted her focus to more challenging and personal roles. She is preparing for the wide release of Coutures, hitting theaters on February 18. Directed by Alice Winocour, the film follows Maxine Walker, an American filmmaker whose life intersects with a model and a makeup artist during Paris Fashion Week.

Jolie has also received praise for her portrayal of opera legend Maria Callas in the biopic Maria, which dominated the 2025 awards season. She recently finished directing her sixth film, Without Blood, starring Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir. The war drama explores trauma caused by violence, a theme Jolie has returned to often as a filmmaker.

Looking ahead, Jolie is set to return to action with Sunny, where she plays a mother forced back into a life of crime to protect her children. Her career now balances high-octane entertainment with deep, personal storytelling.

Jolie’s early frustrations with roles like Lara Croft helped guide her choices later in life. She has deliberately moved toward projects that challenge her and allow her to explore complex characters. “I wanted to play women who feel real and strong, not just look a certain way,” she said.

Do you think Angelina Jolie made the right choice by leaving franchise roles behind and focusing on more meaningful, emotional films? Share your thoughts in the comments.