Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe normalized female-led action franchises, there was Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001). While the film received mixed reviews, its impact on was seismic. Jolie transformed the polygonal video game character into a flesh-and-blood cultural icon. She introduced a physicality that had been missing from female action stars—muscular, agile, and dangerous.
: In 2024, her work as a producer on the musical The Outsiders won the Tony Award for Best Musical. Beyond the Screen: Global Humanitarian Influence