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Angelina Jolie Replaces Tom Cruise in Edwin A. Salt
by Alex Billington
August 11, 2008
Yep, you read that right. Angelina Jolie is replacing Tom Cruise in Phillip Noyce's CIA thriller Edwin A. Salt and the title will change and the screenplay will be rewritten for a female character. It was only July that we wrote about this film, announcing that Patriot Games and Catch a Fire helmer Phillip Noyce would be directing. The screenplay was written by Kurt Wimmer, of Equilibrium and Street Kings, and is being rewritten for Jolie instead. The story focuses on a CIA officer who must prove that they're not a Russian sleeper spy out to assassinate the President. The deal only fell into place two weeks ago but is making news this week - and I must say, that kind of headline will definitely shake things up.
Although the news has been reported by various outlets, no details on why Cruise left and why Jolie stepped in have been revealed. Cruise was originally attached for a while, before even Noyce joined, which is why it could be something along the lines of creative differences and Jolie as good of a replacement. Jolie is still attached to the Atlas Shrugged adaptation and plans to still do both that and Edwin A. Salt. This is an incredibly high profile project and the addition of Jolie possibly even pushes it even further into the spotlight. However, if I were to provide some criticism, I'm not exactly sure whether a female replacement for the character will result in the same kind of movie that I was initially excited to see. Anyone else?
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13 Comments
1
Awesome! I love this news. I don't hate Tom Cruise. He's still got some star attraction, but I love Angelina waaaaay more. Before the movie sounded like a remake of that Kevin Costner and Gene Hackman movie, "No Way Out" imdb.com/title/tt0093640/ Now with Angelina it sounds fresher and more exciting.
Dee on Aug 11, 2008
2
Huh. You'd think they'd have to reconstruct it completely. The problem isn't "a female replacement" -- it's that Angelina Jolie is known for her hypersexualized action roles. Tom Cruise, aside from being previous badass M:I material, could've been more of an everyman (maybe). But putting Jolie in the role instantly attaches the expectation of Lara Croft: CIA. Mr. & Mrs. Smith: MOAR SRS VERSION. Cue the predictable sexy shots and empowered vixen posters. ...and maybe this could be completely different. But at this point, I doubt it. Personally, I wouldn't have been interested in a Cruise movie, but yeah, I'm not sure if a Jolie vehicle is better.
dire on Aug 12, 2008
3
Terrible plot and a terrible "actress". Double trouble.
Shige on Aug 12, 2008
4
hey this is great news, i hope she acts in this like how she acted in taking lives
Drake on Aug 12, 2008
6
Dire, she was good in "The Good Shepard" and that was a serious movie, they could pull it off.
Staatz on Aug 12, 2008
7
Well, I for one will watch it, and depending on the trailer I'll no doubt catch here, maybe even IN the theater, and not after DVD release. 🙂 Besides, they got extra budget now that Tom is history. No need for a "rug" styler.
Michael on Aug 12, 2008
8
@2 Someone clearly hasnt seen all of her movies ....
E on Aug 12, 2008
9
So why are you not excited? Chics kick ass just as well as any guy. I'd rather see Jolie any day sporting a gun and badge. The only reason you could have a problem with this is if your a sexist pig! If you saw her in "Taking Lives" or "Bone Collector" then should have enough faith in her to pull it off.
Bryanmakeup on Aug 12, 2008
10
I'm not crazy about Tom Cruise, especially after the Oprah incident and all the scientology crap, but he did a pretty good job in Collateral. That kind of film and bad guy role is out of the ordinary for him, since he usually plays the good guy except for Interview with the Vampire. It showed a different side of him. It doesn't matter anyway. If I was going to see a spy movie, it would be Body of Lies with DiCapprio and Crowe, or Traitor with Don Cheadle.
JL on Aug 12, 2008
11
A woman repleacing a woman :). I'm sorry, but Cruise's career is DEAD. TROPIC will bring him some more attention, but just like Gibson, he is going nowhere quickly. To reports I heard is that Jolie was intrested in it and the script changes aren't too much at all. So what will it be called? EDWINA A. SALT? ERICA A. SALT?
Ryan on Aug 12, 2008
12
I heard that Cruise has already gone under a major reconstructive surgery to change his skin color just to fit the part. HE's that DeDiCated to the role. Another blow for the ole CruiseMyster.
Dustyman1505 on Aug 13, 2008
13
i think angelina is better because she will catch the attention of more women and men alike better than .......tom who?
hey hey on Nov 5, 2009
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