George Clooney Reveals Years of Resentment After Brad Pitt Beat Him for ‘Thelma & Louise’ Role
George Clooney’s Reflection on Losing the ‘Thelma & Louise’ Role to Brad Pitt
In a candid interview with The Times, George Clooney, now 64, shared his feelings about a significant turning point early in his career — losing the role of J.D. in the 1991 classic film *Thelma & Louise* to Brad Pitt. Clooney revealed that he had made it to the final audition stage for the role, which ultimately became Brad Pitt’s breakout performance. “I got to the final test for a role in *Thelma & Louise*. And, motherf—–, Brad got it,” Clooney admitted, reflecting on the frustration and resentment he felt at the time.
The character J.D., a charming drifter who seduces Thelma Dickinson (Geena Davis) at a roadside motel, was pivotal in launching Pitt’s career in Hollywood. Before this role, Pitt was relatively unknown, appearing mostly in minor TV roles and small film parts. Meanwhile, Clooney was primarily recognized for his television work, especially his role as Dr. Doug Ross on the hit medical drama *ER*. Despite Clooney’s success on TV, he longed for a breakthrough in film, which he believed the role of J.D. could have provided.
The Impact of ‘Thelma & Louise’ on Brad Pitt and George Clooney’s Careers
*Thelma & Louise* was a critical and commercial success, widely praised for its storytelling and performances. Brad Pitt’s portrayal of J.D. was a standout, instantly catapulting him to stardom. Clooney, on the other hand, continued to build his career on television before eventually transitioning to major film roles.
Clooney confessed that he avoided watching *Thelma & Louise* for years because he was annoyed by the fact that the role had launched Pitt’s film career while he remained in television. “I was in TV,” Clooney explained. “I was making a good living, but back then actors would say, ‘Well, I’m a film actor — I just happen to be doing TV.’” His frustration was palpable as he recalled, “I didn’t watch *Thelma & Louise* for years, because I was annoyed. The part launched his career in film. He was doing sitcoms and crap before, so when it was the thing that could’ve launched me? F—!!”
Despite the initial bitterness, Clooney and Pitt eventually became close friends and collaborators. They went on to star together in the *Ocean’s* trilogy — *Ocean’s Eleven* (2001), *Ocean’s Twelve* (2004), and *Ocean’s Thirteen* (2007) — as well as other films like *Burn After Reading* (2008) and the 2024 thriller *Wolfs*. Clooney noted that Pitt still teases him about losing the role, but he acknowledges that Pitt was the perfect choice for J.D. “Oh yeah, he gives me s—,” Clooney said. “Of course, when I saw it, I was, like, well, it *had* to be that guy.”
Behind the Scenes: Casting Insights and Industry Perspectives
Geena Davis, who played Thelma Dickinson, recalled the audition process for J.D. during a 2022 appearance on *The Graham Norton Show*. She revealed that four finalists were considered for the role, including Clooney, Mark Ruffalo, Grant Show, and Brad Pitt. Davis described Pitt’s audition as so charismatic and captivating that she forgot her lines. “I was screwing up his audition because I forgot to say my line. I’m just like, ‘Wow, he’s really talented,’” she said.
Davis also shared a humorous anecdote about sitting next to Clooney on a flight, where he confessed his frustration with Pitt for landing the role. “Finally he said, ‘You know I hate Brad Pitt,’” Davis recalled. “And I say, ‘No you don’t. He’s like a really good friend of yours.’ And he said, ‘No I hate him because he got the part.’ And I said ‘Oh, did you want the part?’ And he said, ‘You couldn’t tell when I auditioned with you?’” Davis laughingly admitted she didn’t remember Clooney from the audition at all.
Brad Pitt himself has spoken about the role’s significance in his career. In a 2023 interview with W magazine, Pitt described *Thelma & Louise* as his “entry into the big leagues.” He revealed that the casting process was competitive and that he was initially passed over for the role multiple times before finally being cast. “I just thought, I’m the guy for this. But they went through a couple of other actors,” Pitt said. “I didn’t get the part at first, and then it came back around, and I didn’t get it again, and I went, ‘Huh. All right. Moving on.’ And then it came back around again. I feel like it was three times.”
Conclusion
George Clooney’s revelation about his early resentment toward Brad Pitt for landing the role of J.D. in *Thelma & Louise* offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges actors face in Hollywood. While losing the role was initially a source of frustration for Clooney, it ultimately did not hinder his rise to fame or his friendship with Pitt. Their story is a testament to resilience, talent, and the unpredictable nature of show business.
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