George Clooney has revealed lingering regret over missing out on the role of J.D. in Thelma & Louise, a part that would make Brad Pitt a major star. Clooney’s reflection on losing the Brad Pitt Thelma and Louise breakout shows how a single casting decision can shape careers, even for future Hollywood icons.
Clooney’s Close Call Audition for Thelma & Louise
George Clooney recently discussed his early days as an actor, recalling his audition for J.D. in the classic Thelma & Louise. At the time, both Clooney and Pitt were vying for the role, each looking for that elusive big break in Hollywood. Clooney shared that it boiled down to just himself and Pitt, a fact that stuck with him for years afterward.
When asked if he still thinks about missing out on certain parts, Clooney did not hesitate to name the pivotal role that changed everything for Pitt.
Well, I had a couple of films that I tried to get. It came down to Brad Pitt and me, and both of us were kind of struggling at the time, for Thelma and Louise. Pitt got it, and I was pissed! [Laughs] I didn’t watch the movie for years, and that was a launching pad for Brad. I remember thinking, ‘That f—–…’
he explained to ScreenRant.
The Impact of Losing the Role
Clooney described how missing out on J.D. affected him as he watched Pitt’s career take off while he continued to take television roles through the early 1990s. For years, he avoided watching Thelma & Louise, feeling the loss of what could have been a turning point in his career. The sting of missing out seemed intensified by seeing Pitt’s success, while Clooney’s own ascent took longer.
Still, time brought perspective. When Clooney finally watched the film, he acknowledged that the casting choice was the right one.
And then I saw it, and I go, ‘Of course, he should have gotten it.’ There are a couple of things that got away over time, but for the right reasons. People’s careers kind of come and go; they work out when they work out. You can’t look back and go, ‘S—, I should have done that one.’
he admitted, indicating a sense of acceptance and understanding for how the casting directors made their decision.
Both Actors Find Hollywood Success
Despite the disappointment of not landing the role, Clooney’s career continued to build as he eventually found fame and shared the screen with Brad Pitt in the renowned Ocean’s franchise. Today, both Clooney and Pitt are celebrated as acclaimed actors, and their journeys are an example of how different paths in Hollywood can ultimately lead to lasting legacies.
Looking ahead, George Clooney is slated to appear in Jay Kelly, an upcoming comedy-drama directed by Noah Baumbach, where Clooney stars opposite Adam Sandler. Meanwhile, the iconic role of J.D. remains a pivotal point in Brad Pitt’s filmography and a noteworthy moment in both actors’ stories.
The story of the Brad Pitt Thelma and Louise casting continues to resonate for Clooney, showing that even the most successful entertainers can reflect on “what-ifs” with a mix of disappointment and perspective. For anyone chasing dreams, Clooney’s experience is a reminder that timing, decisions, and resilience are all part of the journey in Hollywood.
