A legendary Hollywood “what if” gets a fresh update as George Clooney reveals Brad Pitt never lets him forget losing the career-making role in Thelma & Louise, cementing a friendly rivalry built on mutual respect and cinematic history.
Two of Hollywood’s biggest stars, George Clooney and Brad Pitt, share a friendship spanning decades, but not without a touch of good-natured rivalry. Clooney recently opened up about a pivotal moment early in their careers: the casting for 1991’s seminal film, Thelma & Louise, a role that famously went to Pitt and still provides fodder for his friend’s playful jabs.
“I was in TV. 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,’” Clooney, now 64, recounted to The Times of London. He got to the “final test” for a role in the film, only for Brad Pitt to land it. This moment, Clooney admits, initially fueled his frustration, leading him to avoid watching the film for years.
The Breakout Role That Almost Wasn’t For Pitt
Thelma & Louise, directed by Ridley Scott, tells the story of two best friends, played by Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, who embark on a road trip that takes an unexpected turn into a life of crime. Brad Pitt, then 27, garnered widespread attention for his role as J.D., a charming drifter who becomes involved with Louise. The film is widely credited with launching Pitt’s career from a string of sitcom appearances into a major Hollywood force.
Clooney’s initial annoyance eventually gave way to understanding. “Oh yeah, he gives me s***,” Clooney quipped of Pitt’s ongoing teasing. “But, of course, when I saw it, I was, like, well it had to be that guy.” He acknowledged that Pitt’s charismatic performance, particularly his memorable topless scene, ignited the audience. His Jay Kelly costar, Adam Sandler, jokingly echoed the sentiment, noting that when Pitt took his shirt off, “people went nuts.”
Behind the Casting Couch: Geena Davis’s Crucial Role
The competition for the role of J.D. was fierce, with actors like Grant Show and Mark Ruffalo also vying for the part. Geena Davis, who starred as Thelma, played a crucial role in the final decision-making process. She shared details of the audition on The Graham Norton Show in 2022, explaining how she read with the four finalists.
“They all came in, each one was handsome, they all had brown hair and were very talented,” Davis recalled, admitting she initially “didn’t care who it was going to be.” Pitt was the last to audition. Davis described his performance as so captivating that she “screwing up his audition because I forgot to say my line.” When asked for her opinion, Davis famously said she liked “the blonde one,” a moment that cemented Brad Pitt’s path to stardom, as reported by Yahoo Entertainment.
A Hollywood Friendship Forged in Fire (and Film)
Despite the early career setback, losing the role to Pitt did not hinder George Clooney’s impressive trajectory. He went on to achieve massive success in television with ER before transitioning to an equally acclaimed film career, earning multiple Academy Awards and establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s most respected figures. Their enduring friendship has seen them costar in hit films like Ocean’s Eleven and Burn After Reading.
Even at 64, Clooney maintains a forward-looking perspective on his career. He exclusively told Us Weekly, “At this point in my career and life, if somebody writes a really good script and a really good part, which there aren’t that many of, then you just jump on board and try not to mess it up.” He emphasized, “I sort of enjoy looking forward and seeing what’s coming next.”
The friendly banter over Thelma & Louise serves as a nostalgic reminder of the paths taken by two Hollywood legends. It underscores how one role can dramatically alter a career, while a genuine friendship can withstand the competitive nature of the industry, evolving into a shared history of mutual success and respect.
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