Before she became an Oscar-winning actress and global style icon, Angelina Jolie got her start in a little-known sci-fi action film called Cyborg 2.
Released in 1993 when she was just 18 years old, the movie marked Jolie’s first major leading role—and gave fans an early glimpse of the fierce, fashion-forward presence she would later bring to red carpets around the world. From gritty combat scenes to chic Paris press-day looks decades later, her evolution in both film and fashion is worth a closer look.
Angelina Jolie at 18: Cyborg 2 Style and Career Beginnings
Angelina Jolie was born on June 4, 1975. The American science fiction action film Cyborg 2, also known as Glass Shadow in some countries, premiered on November 24, 1993, making Jolie 18 years old at its release.
Filming for Cyborg 2 began in September 1992, when she was just 17 years old. Jolie celebrated her 18th birthday on June 4, 1993.
At just 18 years old, Angelina Jolie starred as Casella “Cash” Reese in Cyborg 2 (1993), showcasing early hints of her on-screen intensity in a sporty white tank and wrapped gloves for the film’s kickboxing sequences (Credit: Trimark Pictures)
Combat Boots and Action Style: Jolie’s First Kickboxing Role
In Cyborg 2, Jolie portrayed Casella “Cash” Reese in this direct-to-video sequel to Jean-Claude Van Damme’s 1989 martial arts cyberpunk film Cyborg.
Michael Schroeder directed the film, which Jean-Claude Van Damme wisely decided not to star in. Angelina Jolie was joined in Cyborg 2 by Elias Koteas, Jack Palance, Billy Drago, Karen Sheperd, Allen Garfield, and Renee Griffin.
Elias Koteas and 18-year-old Angelina Jolie star in Cyborg 2 (1993), with Jolie channeling early action-heroine style in a fitted vest and high-waisted pants (Credit: Trimark Pictures)
In a candid interview with The New York Times in 2001, Angelina Jolie shared her visceral reaction to the movie.
After I saw it, I went home and got sick. I saw it and I threw up. Just nausea. But the kickboxing was fun. It was the first time I was sent to do kickboxing. But I was 17 and I think I thought I was making a real movie, which is odd, since there’s a scene when I’m decapitated and talking … as one does. But, yeah, I saw it and got really sick. I just remember my brother Jamie [Haven] holding me and saying, ‘It’s going to be all right.’
Cyborg 2 was mentioned during Jolie’s 2005 appearance on “Inside the Actor’s Studio.” She described it as a “fantastic B-movie.”
However, when asked about her experience with the film, Jolie revealed that her initial contentment turned into disappointment upon viewing the final product.
Angelina Jolie battles guards in Cyborg 2 wearing combat boots, tapered high-waisted pants, and a sleeveless top—an early glimpse of her tough, action-ready style (Credit: Trimark Pictures)
Cyborg 2 was not a critical or commercial success, but was pivotal in launching Angelina Jolie’s career. She later starred in several successful films, including Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Changeling.
Before stepping into the global spotlight as a humanitarian and fashion icon, Angelina Jolie was already capturing attention with her edgy on-screen presence.
Years after her early film roles, she began making waves in cinema and on the world stage, turning heads with her sophisticated style and designer wardrobe. One memorable example came during a high-profile appearance in Paris.
White Dress Elegance: Jolie in Roland Mouret in Paris
In January 2018, Angelina Jolie gave fans and the paparazzi much to look at during a press day in Paris, France.
Angelina Jolie gracefully adorned herself in a striking gray jacket, tastefully layered atop a resplendent white Roland Mouret dress, creating an ensemble that oozed sophistication (Credit: WENN)
It was a fashion-filled day for us as the actress-slash-humanitarian served one A-list celebrity look after the other while hitting the streets of the City of Lights.
Angelina Jolie’s luscious locks cascaded in loose waves, framing her radiant face, accentuated by a vibrant red lip (Credit: WENN)
Angie met up with French First Lady Brigitte Macron, looking like a big movie star in an impeccably tailored white Roland Mouret “Comberton” dress.
Complementing her attire, Angelina Jolie confidently strutted in nude stilettos and carried an impeccably matching handbag (Credit: WENN)
She protected her shoulders with a gray cape and covered her peepers with oversized Fendi sunglasses.
Angelina Jolie shows off Louis Vuitton’s City Steamer handbag while leaving the Le Meurice Hotel in Paris, France, on January 30, 2018 (Credit: WENN)
The then-42-year-old, who stands at 5ft 6 ½ (168.9 cm), completed her look with a Louis Vuitton “City Steamer” bag and light tan Jimmy Choo “Anouk” pointed-toe pumps—a deliberate nude-on-nude choice that subtly elongated her silhouette and added to her commanding presence.
Angelina Jolie steps out in Jimmy Choo’s iconic ‘Anouk’ beige leather pumps, using the pointed-toe silhouette and nude tone to elongate her legs
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Jolie’s effortlessly chic style continued throughout the day as she made multiple appearances across Paris—but she wasn’t alone for long.
Family Fashion: Jolie and Her Kids Turn Heads in Paris
Angie got her six children in on the publicity photo-op as well.
Completing her ensemble, Angelina Jolie accessorized with a tastefully selected Salvatore Ferragamo bag and sleek black pumps, adding a touch of refinement to her overall appearance (Credit: WENN)
The glamorous mom took Maddox Chivan (16), Pax Thien (14), Zahara Marley (13), Shiloh (11), and the twins, Vivienne Marcheline and Knox Leon (9), to enjoy a morning of arts and culture at the Louvre Museum.
Radiating an air of sophistication, Angelina Jolie donned a stunning black Elie Saab cape coat that elegantly draped over her figure, effortlessly showcasing her impeccable sense of style (Credit: WENN)
The Academy Award winner cut a stylish figure in an Elie Saab caped coat, a Salvatore Ferragamo large top-handle bag, and her trusty Fendi sunglasses.
Angelina Jolie, with her children Shiloh, Vivienne Marcheline, Maddox, Pax Thien, Zahara Marley, and Knox Leon, visit the Louvre in Paris, France, on January 30, 2018 (Credit: WENN)
She rounded out her all-black ensemble with Giuseppe Zanotti’s “Annette” suede pumps.
Angelina Jolie shows off her feet in Giuseppe Zanotti’s “Annette” black suede pumps (Credit: WENN)
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Iconic Shoe Moments: Jolie’s Most Memorable Heels
Angelina Jolie has consistently impressed with her sophisticated footwear choices. Here are some of her most memorable heel moments:
Angelina Jolie’s Custom Christian Louboutin ‘Malangeli’ Wedges
- Event: ‘Maleficent’ Photocall
- Outfit: Jolie donned a sleek black ensemble, exuding her character’s dark elegance.
- Footwear: She collaborated with Christian Louboutin to create the ‘Malangeli’ wedges, featuring sculpted heels resembling wisps of smoke.
- Read more: Angelina Jolie’s ‘Maleficent’ Louboutin Shoes
Angelina Jolie’s Aquazzura ‘Savoy’ Pumps at Palm Springs Film Festival
- Event: Palm Springs International Film Festival
- Outfit: Jolie wore a black halter dress, complemented by side-swept bangs and minimal accessories.
- Footwear: She completed her look with black suede Aquazzura ‘Savoy’ pumps, featuring mesh inserts and 3.25-inch stiletto heels.
- See more: Angelina Jolie’s Aquazzura ‘Savoy’ Pumps
Angelina Jolie’s Stuart Weitzman ‘Heist’ Pumps at ‘By the Sea’ Screening
- Event: ‘By the Sea’ Screening
- Outfit: Jolie appeared in a vintage-style blue chiffon dress with a waist-cinching gold belt.
- Footwear: She paired her dress with nude Stuart Weitzman ‘Heist’ pumps, featuring pointed toes and 3.5-inch heels.
- Discover more: Angelina Jolie’s Stuart Weitzman ‘Heist’ Pumps
Angelina Jolie’s Ralph & Russo ‘Eden’ Heels at Royal Ceremony
- Event: 200th Anniversary of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George
- Outfit: Jolie wore a dove-gray Ralph & Russo Couture dress with a matching fascinator and gloves.
- Footwear: She chose Ralph & Russo ‘Eden’ pumps, adorned with Swarovski crystals on filigree leaf heels.
- Explore her style: Angelina Jolie’s Ralph & Russo ‘Eden’ Heels
Angelina Jolie’s Tamara Mellon ‘Rebel’ Pumps at ‘The Breadwinner’ Premiere
- Event: ‘The Breadwinner’ Premiere
- Outfit: Jolie opted for a classic Ulyana Sergeenko dress, emphasizing her minimalist aesthetic.
- Footwear: She completed her look with nude Tamara Mellon ‘Rebel’ pumps, known for their sleek design and versatility.
- See her look: Angelina Jolie’s Tamara Mellon ‘Rebel’ Pumps
These moments highlight Angelina Jolie’s impeccable taste in footwear, showcasing her ability to blend elegance with statement-making designs.