NEW YORK: Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek’s friendship grew into a rare personal bond while the pair made “Without Blood,” the actresses told PEOPLE in an interview published Friday.
Jolie, 51, directed and adapted the film from Alessandro Baricco’s 2002 novella. Hayek, 60, stars opposite Demián Bichir in the drama, which opened in U.S. theatres on September 18.
Jolie told PEOPLE she valued meeting Hayek later in life after both had accumulated similar personal and professional experiences. She said she had not experienced that kind of connection and understanding before.
Hayek said their friendship also shaped their working relationship. She said she felt comfortable speaking openly with Jolie during production because she trusted the director understood her intentions.
Read: Angelina Jolie Says Children Helped Restore Her Fighting Spirit
Their discussions on the Italian set could move quickly between disagreement, emotion and laughter, Hayek said. She described those exchanges as part of an open creative process rather than personal conflict.
The two actors previously appeared together in Marvel Studios’ 2021 film “Eternals.” Their collaboration deepened while making “Without Blood,” which explores war, trauma, memory and reconciliation.
Brainstorm Media acquired the film for its U.S. theatrical release. The company lists “Without Blood” among its current theatrical titles.
The Angelina Jolie Salma Hayek friendship is also expected to extend to another project. Hayek previously said she planned to direct a film with Jolie serving as a producer.
