How a Male-Led Spy Thriller Transformed into an Angelina Jolie Action Icon

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Originally written for Tom Cruise, the 2010 thriller Salt underwent a radical gender swap that reshaped its narrative. By replacing the protagonist with Angelina Jolie, the filmmakers pivoted from a standard spy chase to a complex, stunt-heavy exploration of identity, ambiguity, and the mechanics of a high-stakes global conspiracy.

The project began as a script titled The Far-Reaching Philosophy of Edwin A. Salt, written by Kurt Wimmer. Initially, Tom Cruise was attached to the lead role, but he eventually withdrew, fearing the character was too similar to Ethan Hunt from the Mission: Impossible franchise. Following a suggestion from executive Amy Pascal, director Phillip Noyce pivoted to Angelina Jolie, who had long expressed a desire to play a female spy lead. This casting necessitated a total character overhaul, with writer Brian Helgeland brought in to refine the dialogue and character development for the newly named Evelyn Salt.

Jolie’s influence extended beyond the script to the film's physical execution. She insisted on performing nearly all of her own stunts, training in a blend of Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Shaolin Kung-Fu, and Jeet Kune Do to suit her physique. The production, which operated on a $130 million budget, relied heavily on practical stunts, using computer-generated imagery primarily for digital environments like the White House bunker. Despite a minor head injury on set, Jolie remained committed to the role, pushing for a third act that moved away from the original script's focus on rescuing family members toward a more central, active role for Salt in the villain's schemes.

Upon its July 2010 release, the film grossed $293.5 million worldwide. While critics praised the action sequences and Jolie's performance, many found the plot convoluted and implausible. The film's legacy is defined by its multiple versions; the home media release included three distinct cuts, each featuring different endings. One version suggests a darker, more ambiguous future for the protagonist, turning the narrative on its head. Despite initial plans for a sequel and a potential television series, the franchise ultimately stalled, leaving the three available cuts as the definitive exploration of the character.

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