Brad Pitt and George Clooney’s careers took different turns after Pitt secured the J.D. role in “Thelma & Louise,” a coveted part Clooney was also pursuing. The Brad Pitt Thelma Louise role remains a subject Clooney says Pitt still teases him about, decades later.
Clooney Recalls Losing the J.D. Role
Both Pitt and Clooney rose to stardom, but Clooney missed his chance at the breakout role in Ridley Scott’s “Thelma & Louise.” In a recent conversation with The Times, Clooney revealed how close he came to being cast in the film, before losing out to Pitt.
“I got to the final test for a role in Thelma & Louise. And, motherf***er, Brad got it,”
— George Clooney, Actor
During the same interview, Clooney shared that the loss stung for years, as Pitt’s performance elevated his movie career while Clooney continued working in supporting television roles like those in “Bodies of Evidence” throughout the 1990s. Having missed the chance to ignite his own film trajectory, Clooney confessed he avoided watching Thelma & Louise, feeling bitter about the experience at the time.
“I didn’t watch Thelma & Louise for years because I was annoyed. The part launched his career in film. He was doing sitcoms and crap before, so when it was the thing that could’ve launched me? F***!!”
— George Clooney, Actor
Pitt Still Jokes About Landing the Role
Reflecting on the past with some humor now, Clooney admitted that Pitt has never let him forget how things turned out. Even after seeing the film and conceding that Pitt was the right choice for J.D., Clooney says the friendly teasing continues.
“Oh yeah, he gives me s***. Of course, when I saw it, I was, like, well, it had to be that guy.”
— George Clooney, Actor
Adam Sandler, Clooney’s “Jay Kelly” co-star, added to the banter, recalling how audiences reacted to Pitt’s performance and jokingly arguing Clooney should have played the iconic part instead.
“I saw that at the cinema and when Brad took his shirt off, people went nuts. But it should have been you, Clooney.”
— Adam Sandler, Actor
Looking Back from the Set of Jay Kelly
Today, both Clooney and Pitt have established remarkable careers in film. While Pitt’s role in “Thelma & Louise” is recognized as a career turning point, Clooney’s journey led him to eventually embrace his own path and success. Their playful exchanges highlight the competitive yet genuine friendship that has developed over decades.
Clooney’s current project, “Jay Kelly,” is a comedy-drama feature directed by Noah Baumbach, co-starring Adam Sandler. The film is now playing in theaters, showcasing Clooney’s continued place in the spotlight alongside prominent peers.
The lasting impact of the Brad Pitt Thelma Louise role remains evident not only in pop culture but also in the enduring camaraderie and good-natured rivalry between two of Hollywood’s most recognized actors.
