George Clooney, reflecting on his early days in Hollywood, recently shared that he lost a pivotal role to Brad Pitt in Ridley Scott’s crime drama Thelma & Louise, a setback that deeply affected him at the time. Discussing this missed opportunity, Clooney admitted his disappointment and frustration, acknowledging how this role, which became Brad Pitt’s launching pad, could have dramatically altered his own path—a defining moment as George Clooney lost movie role.
Clooney Opens Up About Thelma & Louise Audition
While promoting his new project, Noah Baumbach’s comedy-drama Jay Kelly, Clooney sat down with Screen Rant to talk about his career and the near misses along the way. Clooney, who plays a renowned actor in Jay Kelly, engaged in candid discussion about his real-life experiences parallel to his character’s. When asked to recall a film he regrets missing out on, Clooney didn’t hesitate to name Thelma & Louise, noting the competition he faced for the part of J.D., ultimately awarded to 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 & 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-cker…’
“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, ‘Sh*t, I should have done that one.'” — George Clooney, Actor
This honest reflection shows how close Clooney came to starring alongside Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, and the impact it had on him both professionally and personally. Thelma & Louise, focusing on two women defying the authorities during a harrowing road trip, eventually featured Brad Pitt as J.D., a hitchhiker whose charm draws Thelma in before his true intentions are revealed.
Thelma & Louise: A Career Catalyst for Brad Pitt
Although Brad Pitt had appeared in other projects, Thelma & Louise is widely considered the turning point that led to major roles in films like A River Runs Through It, Kalifornia, and Interview with the Vampire. The intense competition between Clooney and Pitt highlights how one role can change the trajectory of an actor’s career. The part of J.D. was more than a supporting role—it became a memorable stepping-stone into superstardom for Pitt.
Clooney’s Path to Stardom Took a Different Course
By the time Thelma & Louise premiered in 1991, Clooney was working in television on series such as Roseanne, Sunset Beat, and Bodies and Evidence. His Hollywood breakthrough came in 1994 with ER, where he played Dr. Doug Ross, quickly establishing himself as a central figure in ‘90s television drama. Success on ER led to a thriving film career with appearances in From Dusk Till Dawn, One Fine Day, The Peacemaker, and Out of Sight. He eventually shared the screen with Brad Pitt in the Ocean’s Eleven series—signifying a career that, although delayed compared to Pitt’s, saw Clooney attain leading man status in his own right.
Despite a few missteps, such as his less-celebrated role in Batman & Robin, Clooney’s trajectory demonstrates resilience in the face of disappointment. The initial frustration he felt after losing the Thelma & Louise role to Pitt was eventually replaced with acceptance and camaraderie, especially as the two joined forces later in their careers.
Main Cast of Thelma & Louise
Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise assembled a dynamic ensemble that left a lasting mark on Hollywood:
1. Susan Sarandon as Louise – The strong-willed friend willing to confront adversity.
2. Geena Davis as Thelma – The character whose transformation drives much of the story.
3. Harvey Keitel as Hal – The sympathetic investigator attempting to track the women down.
4. Michael Madsen as Jimmy – Louise’s loyal partner, supporting her during their turmoil.
5. Brad Pitt as J.D. – The enigmatic hitchhiker whose involvement changes the course for Thelma.
Why George Clooney’s Confession Matters
The story of how George Clooney lost movie role to Brad Pitt in Thelma & Louise is a potent example of how competition and timing shape acting careers in Hollywood. Both Clooney and Pitt would later become household names, often collaborating and sharing the spotlight, proving that persistence and adaptability are as vital as opportunity. Clooney’s candid take serves as a reminder that setbacks can often fuel greater achievements, with each actor finding their place through a mix of timing, chance, and resilience. Audiences can look forward to seeing Clooney in Jay Kelly, continuing his journey as one of cinema’s most recognizable talents.
