Angelina Jolie blasted over ‘made up’ role for son Maddox in upcoming movie ‘Stitches’: 'Nepo hire'

PARIS, FRANCE: Angelina Jolie is filming her highly anticipated movie 'Stitches' in Paris - immersing herself in the world of high fashion while making it a family affair.

Her 23-year-old son, Maddox Jolie-Pitt, has joined the production as third assistant director, marking yet another collaboration between the Oscar-winning actress and her eldest child, Daily Mail reported.

Maddox Jolie-Pitt's work as assistant director and executive producer 

Maddox was frequently seen on set, aiding his mother during challenging night shoots in the rain.

The son of Jolie and her ex-husband Brad Pitt previously worked on several of his mother’s films, proving his dedication and growing expertise in the world of filmmaking.

Over the years, Maddox has built an impressive resume.

He worked as an assistant director on 'Maria', a film centered on opera singer Maria Callas’s final days in 1970s Paris, for which Jolie learned opera singing and garnered significant Oscar buzz.

In 2024’s 'Without Blood', Jolie’s directorial effort starring Salma Hayek, Maddox also served as an assistant director.

His involvement in filmmaking began even earlier.

Maddox acted as an executive producer for 'First They Killed My Father' in 2017, a project based on Loung Ung's memoir about the Cambodian genocide.

Maddox Jolie-Pitt and siblings step into the spotlight alongside Angelina Jolie

Reflecting on the experience, Maddox had expressed excitement about working with his mother and exploring his Cambodian roots.

In 2015, he served as a trainee on 'By The Sea', a film Jolie directed.

Maddox shared his thoughts on collaborating with his mother, saying she was "fun, funny, and easy to work with."

He also revealed how he contributed to various aspects of production, including attending meetings, prepping for shoots, and reviewing dailies.

Angelina’s other children are also no strangers to working on her projects.

Pax showcased his talent as a photographer for 'Maria', while Vivienne played a pivotal role in bringing 'The Outsiders' to Broadway this year and made an appearance in 'Maleficent'.

Zahara was also spotted on the set of 'Stitches' and previously contributed to projects under Jolie’s Atelier Jolie banner.

Netizens call Maddox's 'made up' role as 'nepo hire among the rich' 

Angelina Jolie is no stranger to the spotlight, but her recent decision to have her son Maddox in the crew of her upcoming movie sparked heated debates.

Critics have labeled the move as another example of "nepo-baby culture" in Hollywood, questioning whether Maddox’s involvement is based on merit or familial privilege.

One viewer expressed, "Her kids don’t work with her, they work for her. Same as the local plumber hiring their son. But giving your kids lofty titles before they have put in the years of work is insulting to the rest who worked hard and didn’t have the fast path to success."

Another viewer shared, "She'll do anything to hang on to those kids. Most parents would want and expect their children to be independent and make it on their own. That's something to be proud of, giving you kids jobs when they have had a good education and so many advantages, hurts not helps."

One viewer pointed out, "At best, he should have "landed" a job as a "Third Assistant Production Assistant" (I know, there is no such thing). Truly starting at the bottom is to be a PA - a gopher who gets coffee, etc. and has pretty much zero experience."

A follower observed, "No surprise there. Another nepo hire among the rich. Nothing is based on Merit in Hollywood or politicians."

One comment stated, "Does it really count on a resume’ when all your production projects have been on Mommy’s films?"

Another comment read, "Nepotism. Nobody has ever heard of a job on set called a "third assistant director" because it's made up just to put this kid on mommy's payroll. It doesn't exist. This is going to annoy every single crew member. Get a life, kiddo, and work your way through the DGA program like everybody else has to and earn some respect."

"Third assistant director is NOT a major job. It is walking actors through hair and makeup, wardrobe, and to set and mostly extras for crowd scenes. It is actually also called a First Team PA. But at least she is allowing him to work his way up," explained an individual.

"He landed a job that was probably created by his mother. Another no talented celebrity child with no credentials, no job experience, or an earnable degree," another added. 

Angelina Jolie's fashion drama 'Stitches' brings her back to Paris after 'Maria'

'Stitches', directed by Alice Winocour, follows the story of Maxine, an American filmmaker (played by Jolie) who arrives in Paris for Fashion Week on a life-and-death journey.

French actor Louis Garrel co-stars in the bilingual film, which was shot in both French and English.

Described by Variety as “set in the world of high fashion and unfolding in Paris,” the movie aligned perfectly with Jolie’s ongoing fashion endeavors under Atelier Jolie.

The film was produced under Charles Gillibert’s Paris-based CG Cinema, in partnership with Zhang Xin and William Horberg of Closer Media.

The project brought Jolie back to Paris, where she had previously filmed 'Maria.'

'Maria' premiered at the Venice Film Festival and received an eight-minute standing ovation.

Critics widely praised her performance as Maria Callas, sparking talk of an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Though Jolie had won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2000 for 'Girl, Interrupted' and received a Best Actress nomination in 2009 for 'The Changeling', she expressed humility about the potential for another award.

“It means a lot that somebody thinks you did a good job. Right? That means everything to me,” she reportedly told Best UK magazine.

“That kind of stuff is exciting and very, very nice. But I’m just so happy we were able to do this film. I’m genuinely so happy."

She further stated, "I know it sounds like people say this, but really, this was an experience of a lifetime. I learned to sing and I embodied a woman that I respect. I was able to work with this extraordinary team of people. I feel like I’ve already been given the greatest gift. The audience seemed to respond well to it. So, anything else is a dream, but I’m so grateful already.”

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