Monday’s Los Angeles premiere of “Unbroken” will go on without one very important person. Director Angelina Jolie has the chicken pox, and thus will not be attending that or any press event for her latest movie in the coming days, according to a new video message.
“I will be home, itching and missing everyone,” Jolie said in the video. “I can’t believe it, because this film means so much to me. But, such is life. I send everyone my love and hope everything goes well.”
Also read: ‘Boyhood,’ ‘Birdman,’ ‘Unbroken’ and ‘Selma’ Make AFI’s Top 11 List
Universal also posted a message on its Facebook confirming the director’s absence.
Universal Pictures today confirmed that Angelina Jolie will be withdrawing from public events scheduled over the coming days due to a mild bout of chicken pox. She intends to resume her schedule and press engagements at the earliest opportunity.
“You have to laugh at the timing,” the director commented. “I was sure nothing could stop me from supporting Unbroken. I am heartbroken to miss our premiere, most of all the chance to be there with Louie’s family, Phil’s daughter Karen, veterans and all the guests who are coming.”
Universal Pictures said: “We all wish Angelina a speedy recovery and look forward to her returning to her work very soon. She is in very good spirits, considering after two years of hard work, she will not be there the night it finally premieres.”
Monday night, her children and Brad will attend to represent her. Brad’s family has flown in for the occasion, and are all looking forward to seeing the film.
Also read: New Trailer for Angelina Jolie’s ‘Unbroken’ Traces Louis Zamperini’s Incredible Story (Video)
While Jolie’s illness will keep her from promoting “Unbroken,” it will also save her from answering questions from press about being mentioned in emails leaked in the Sony hack attack. In an exchange about whether director David Fincher would be available to do Jolie’s planned Cleopatra movie in a competitive situation with the Steve Jobs movie, producer Scott Rudin referred to Jolie as “a minimally talented spoiled brat.”
“Unbroken” is Jolie’s sophomore directorial vehicle, and follows the real life story of WWII vet Louis Zamperini, whose extraordinary youthful years included going from a troubled kid to Olympic runner to soldier to POW survivor.
Jack O’Connell plays Zamperini in the film, while the rest of the fact includes Garrett Hedlund, Domhnall Gleeson and Miyavi. The real Zamperini died earlier this year at the age of 97.
“Unbroken” will be released Dec 25.