George Clooney has revealed that he nearly played Brad Pitt’s breakout part in “Thelma & Louise,” and the experience still comes up between the two friends. The George Clooney Thelma Louise role story sheds new light on the casting drama behind the iconic film, with Clooney sharing candid memories of the lost opportunity and how it impacted his career and friendship with Pitt.
George Clooney Recalls the Role That Got Away
In 1991, the film “Thelma & Louise” became a cinematic landmark, launching Brad Pitt, then 27, into stardom with his portrayal of J.D. Yet George Clooney, now 64, has recounted how close he came to landing that same role. Reflecting on the early days of his career, before his own rise to fame, Clooney acknowledged the changing perceptions of television and film actors at the time:
“So, I was in TV. I was making a good living, but back then actors would say, ‘Well, I’m a film actor — I just happen to be doing TV,’”
— George Clooney, Actor
Clooney recalled going through the final audition stages for director Ridley Scott’s film, only to lose out to Pitt at the very end. The casting decision proved to be pivotal, as Pitt’s turn as the charming drifter J.D. was hailed as his big break.
“I got to the final test for a role in Thelma & Louise. And, mother****er, Brad got it.”
— George Clooney, Actor
The Impact of “Thelma & Louise” and the Aftermath for Clooney
The film followed Thelma and Louise—played by Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon—as they embarked on a road trip that set them on a collision course with the law. While Pitt became a household name almost overnight, Clooney admits he struggled to move past missing out on the part.
“I didn’t watch Thelma & Louise for years because I was annoyed,”
— George Clooney, Actor
He further expressed frustration that, at the time, Pitt’s role was exactly the kind of opportunity that could have transformed his own career.
“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
Friendly Rivalry and Lasting Jokes Between Pitt and Clooney
Clooney and Pitt, who have since worked together and become good friends, still reference the “Thelma & Louise” casting battle in their conversations. Pitt, now 61, continues to joke about his win over Clooney.
“Oh yeah, he gives me s***,”
— George Clooney, Actor
Despite his initial annoyance, Clooney ultimately conceded that Pitt was perfect for the part. He recalled his own realization after seeing Pitt on the big screen in the role that got away:
“But, of course, when I saw it, I was, like, well it had to be that guy.”
— George Clooney, Actor
Why Clooney Believed Pitt Was Meant for J.D.
The infamously revealing shirtless scene in “Thelma & Louise” cemented Pitt’s status as a heartthrob. Clooney, reflecting on the audience’s ecstatic response, joked about the reality check he received while watching the film with his own friends, including actor Adam Sandler.
“I saw that at the cinema and when Brad took his shirt off people went nuts,”
— Adam Sandler, Actor
“But it should have been you, Clooney.”
— Adam Sandler, Actor
The Tight Competition to Play J.D.
The search for the right J.D. was intense, with several actors—the likes of Clooney, Grant Show, Mark Ruffalo, and Pitt—fighting for the coveted part. Geena Davis, who starred as Thelma, recalled being involved in the final casting decisions.
“Once I was cast, it was down to four finalists for that role,”
— Geena Davis, Actor
“They said, ‘Would you read with them, so we could see [with] each one?’ [They all] came in, each one was handsome, they all had brown hair and were very talented. I didn’t care who it was going to be.”
— Geena Davis, Actor
Davis remembered Pitt being the last to audition. She described his obvious talent and how it made a striking impression, even causing her to forget her lines during their read-through.
“He’s so charismatic and so incredibly talented that I was screwing up his audition because I forgot to say my line,”
— Geena Davis, Actor
“I’m like, ‘Wow, he’s really talented.’ I didn’t know if they wanted my opinion or not, but I said, ‘Would you be interested in knowing my reaction?’ They said, ‘Oh, please.’”
— Geena Davis, Actor
Looking Forward: Clooney’s Career and Perspective
While Pitt’s casting as J.D. was career-defining, Clooney’s own trajectory has soared regardless. He would later become an Oscar winner and respected filmmaker, starring in global hits and winning acclaim for his versatility as an actor and director. Clooney has often reflected on his evolving perspective as he has grown older, choosing now to focus on future opportunities rather than past disappointments.
“I’m constantly trying to figure things out about myself as I get older,”
— George Clooney, Actor
“At this point in my career and life, if somebody writes a really good script and a really good part, which there aren’t that many of, then you just jump on board and try not to mess it up. I’m 64. I’m not really ready to look backwards and sort of rest on [my career]. I sort of enjoy looking forward and seeing what’s coming next.”
— George Clooney, Actor
The Lasting Significance of the Lost Role
Though he missed out on “Thelma & Louise,” George Clooney has found enduring success and lasting friendships, including with Brad Pitt. The candid recollections about missing the part continue to surface in interviews, providing audiences with insight into Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes realities. For Clooney, revisiting the experience through humor and honesty has become a testament to his ongoing passion for his craft and the importance of seizing opportunities as they arise.
