Thirty years after the release of Se7en, the acclaimed crime thriller directed by David Fincher, Brad Pitt has opened up about his initial response to Andrew Kevin Walker’s screenplay. Speaking recently on the podcast Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, Pitt revealed that he was at a low point in his career when the script came his way and his reaction was anything but enthusiastic, despite the film’s future success and cultural impact.
Brad Pitt’s Uncertain Phase Before Reading the Script
At the time he received the Se7en screenplay, Brad Pitt was grappling with doubts about his career direction. Reflecting on the year 1994, he said,
I had hit a point… 1994 was such a bugged out year. I had not-so-great experiences coming off a couple of jobs, and I was not sure what I was doing,
revealing a sense of confusion and dissatisfaction with his recent work.
Initial Disinterest in the Screenplay Despite Encouragement
Pitt described his life then as undisciplined and somewhat distracted, noting he was involved with a girlfriend
“
a girlfriend (Juliette Lewis) who is into reptiles,
”
while searching for a new film opportunity. His manager and friend Cynthia sent him the Se7en script, urging him to read it, but Pitt’s first impression was skeptical. He recalled telling Cynthia,
She says, ‘You’ve got to read this.’ I read the first seven pages, I call her up, I go, ‘Are you kidding me? The cliche old cop wants out, the young cop comes in and he is looking at his high school football trophies?’
Renewed Interest After Meeting Director David Fincher
Although Pitt read the full screenplay, he still lacked enthusiasm until he met with Fincher. The actor explained that Fincher’s way of discussing films rekindled his excitement for the project. This encounter ultimately convinced Pitt to accept the role, leading to his portrayal of the impulsive homicide detective working with a weary senior detective, played by Morgan Freeman, to track down a serial killer embodied by Kevin Spacey.
The Story and How It Changed Pitt’s Trajectory
Se7en centers on two detectives pursuing a serial killer who chooses his victims based on a personal pattern. Pitt’s role as the idealistic younger detective contrasts with Freeman’s seasoned and pragmatic character, adding tension and depth. The film’s dark, gripping narrative and powerful performances helped revive Pitt’s career following a difficult period, marking a pivotal moment in his acting journey.
This insight into Brad Pitt’s initial reaction to the Se7en script highlights how even future blockbusters may face early skepticism from key players before ultimately becoming classics. It also emphasizes David Fincher’s influence in inspiring Pitt to engage with challenging and memorable roles, shaping the actor’s subsequent success.
