Brad Pitt has offered candid advice for rising Hollywood stars, urging them not to pursue quick fame by joining blockbuster franchises or superhero films simply because it seems popular. Speaking on the New Heights podcast, Pitt shared his perspective on how young actors should approach their careers with integrity—a reflection of the Brad Pitt advice for young actors that many in the industry are now discussing.
Pitt’s Guidance to Up-and-Coming Stars on Choosing Roles Wisely
During a conversation with Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce, Pitt expressed genuine enthusiasm about witnessing new talent break into Hollywood. He emphasized the importance of purposeful career decisions, cautioning against jumping into major franchises or following the superhero trend simply for notoriety or short-term success. Pitt highlighted how tempting studio offers can be for young actors, yet noted the risks that come with sacrificing artistic integrity.
“I like watching what the new generation is coming in with,”
—Brad Pitt
“I like to see what they are up against and the way they negotiate and work their way through it. They enjoy it more. We were more uptight, and it had to be about acting… like, you didn’t sell out, you didn’t sell out.”
—Brad Pitt
“But they also get caught up in ‘you have to have a franchise’ or ‘have to have a superhero.’ But I keep saying, ‘Don’t! Don’t! They’ll die.’”
—Brad Pitt
Pitt commended the next generation’s willingness to experiment with artistic opportunities across different mediums, but he believes the pressure to join blockbuster projects can derail creative ambitions. He drew from his own experiences, noting that unlike many of his peers, he rarely accepted long-term franchise commitments, despite Hollywood’s shifting landscape.
The Exhausting Path of Franchise Commitments
The podcast hosts, Travis and Jason Kelce, mentioned the demands and fatigue often associated with franchise roles for performers, especially those at the beginning of their careers. Pitt did not dispute their observations, pointing out that the franchise track can be draining. Although he made a memorable cameo in “Deadpool 2,” and appeared in the “Ocean’s” trilogy, Pitt has generally avoided multi-film franchises, in stark contrast to other stars from his generation.
Current Projects and Possible Returns to Franchise Films
Despite his cautious stance on franchise roles, Pitt could soon be part of a new blockbuster series. His latest movie, “F1,” has set a new record for Apple’s biggest opening weekend, and industry insiders report discussions for a follow-up film. Moreover, Pitt is slated to reunite with director David Fincher for a sequel to
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,”
further extending his legacy in the industry.
Pitt’s thoughtful perspective on career choices comes as Hollywood remains eager to produce more franchises, often placing pressure on actors to prioritize commercial opportunities over creative challenges. For young performers considering their next steps, Pitt’s advice—which centers on resisting the urge to quickly accept franchise or superhero roles—reflects the kind of career-defining mentorship that can have a lasting impact as the industry evolves.
