In a surprising revelation that highlights the unpredictable nature of Hollywood casting, veteran actor George Clooney has shared how he lost a career-defining role to fellow superstar Brad Pitt early in their careers, a decision that left him frustrated for years.
The Missed Opportunity That Changed Everything
According to recent reports from People magazine, George Clooney had reached the final testing stage for the role of drifter J.D. in Ridley Scott's 1991 classic 'Thelma & Louise', only to lose the part to then-rising actor Brad Pitt. The 64-year-old Oscar winner confessed that he had pinned high hopes on this particular role to help him transition from television work to more serious film projects.
"I got to the final test for a role in Thelma & Louise," Clooney recalled about the Ridley Scott-directed film. "And...., Brad got it." The disappointment was particularly sharp because both actors were at similar stages in their careers at the time, primarily doing smaller television roles.
Years of Frustration and Eventual Acceptance
Clooney admitted that the casting rejection lingered with him long after the film's release. "I didn't watch Thelma & Louise for years because I was annoyed," he revealed. His frustration was compounded by watching Pitt's career skyrocket following the film's success, making him wonder "When it was the thing that could've launched me?"
The 1991 road crime drama, written by Callie Khouri, starred Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon in the titular roles, with supporting performances from Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, and Christopher McDonald alongside Brad Pitt. Pitt's portrayal of the charming drifter J.D. became one of his breakthrough performances, setting him on the path to superstardom.
From Rivals to Friends and Colleagues
Despite this early professional rivalry, the two actors eventually developed a strong friendship and went on to collaborate successfully in the Ocean's Eleven franchise and its sequels. Clooney also revealed that when he finally watched Thelma & Louise, he understood exactly why the casting directors made their choice.
"Of course, when I saw it, I was like, 'Well, it had to be that guy,'" Clooney conceded, acknowledging Pitt's perfect fit for the role.
Brad Pitt has previously spoken about the extensive casting process for the film, telling W Magazine in 2023 that "I didn't get the part at first... and then it came back around again," indicating multiple rounds of auditions before he finally secured the role.
Pitt also recalled filming the memorable love scene with co-star Geena Davis, describing her as "sweet and kind and delicate." Davis, for her part, recognized Pitt's exceptional talent immediately during auditions, stating in 2020 that "He just has 'it.'"
This revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into the early career struggles of two of Hollywood's most successful actors, demonstrating how a single casting decision can significantly alter career trajectories while ultimately leading to one of the industry's most enduring friendships.
