Brad Pitt recently offered candid advice for aspiring actors at the start of their journey, emphasizing the importance of embracing the art rather than chasing roles in superhero films or franchises. Appearing on the New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce podcast, Pitt reflected on his experience and approached the topic of career choices for young actors, highlighting the value of genuine artistic pursuit—a key element in Brad Pitt advice for young actors.
Pitt Reflects on Changing Attitudes in Acting
During his discussion, Brad Pitt, now 61, recognized the shift in mindset among today’s up-and-coming actors. Having started his own career in the 1980s on television series such as Dallas and 21 Jump Street, Pitt commented on how the new generation enjoys the craft more openly compared to the reserved approach of his early years.
“I like watching what the new generations are coming in with,”
—Brad Pitt, Actor
“I like to see what they’re up against and also the way they negotiate their way through it. I feel they enjoy it more. We were a little more uptight — and had to be — about acting. You didn’t sell out. You didn’t sell out. You didn’t sell out. And now, it’s this thing of, ‘Hey, man, we can be artists in many different arenas. So let’s do it, and let’s enjoy it.’”
—Brad Pitt, Actor
Balancing Artistry and Commercial Success
While Pitt applauded young actors for exploring diverse opportunities, he also cautioned them against the pressure to join blockbuster franchises or superhero projects. According to Pitt, the risk lies in becoming overwhelmed by demands, which could ultimately diminish their enjoyment and artistic growth.
“But this idea, they also get caught up in [thinking they] have to have a franchise or have to have a superhero or something like that,”
—Brad Pitt, Actor
Despite these warnings, Pitt himself briefly participated in a superhero film with a cameo in 2018’s Deadpool 2 but generally steered clear of such roles. In contrast, he found recurring success playing Rusty in the Ocean’s Eleven movies, acting alongside George Clooney, showcasing his preference for ensemble and unconventional franchise work.
Pitt’s Latest Blockbuster and Potential for a New Franchise
This summer, Brad Pitt dominated the box office with the release of F1: The Movie, a racing drama that drew significant attention. The film launched on June 27 and rapidly amassed $144 million worldwide, with $55.6 million coming from audiences in the U.S. alone. The movie centers on a fictional Formula One team and features Pitt as the lead, Sonny Hayes, with director Joseph Kosinski at the helm.
Joseph Kosinski has expressed interest in extending the storyline, though he noted the possibility hinges on viewers’ responses.
“But that’s up to the audience to decide if they want to see it,”
—Joseph Kosinski, Director
“I loved working with this group of people. I loved creating our own Formula One team. I’d love to see what’s up next for APXGP and [Pitt’s character] Sonny Hayes.”
—Joseph Kosinski, Director
Looking Ahead for Young Actors
Brad Pitt’s comments offer both encouragement and caution for newcomers to the acting profession. By reminding young artists to prioritize creative fulfillment over the pursuit of commercial franchises, Pitt signals a desire for the industry to maintain space for authenticity and diverse talent. With filmmakers like Kosinski open to new chapters and Pitt’s own choices shaping industry trends, the impact of such advice could influence how upcoming actors shape their own careers.
