Maddox Jolie-Pitt, the eldest son of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has removed “Pitt” from his last name in the credits of his mother’s latest film. This change was first seen when the drama Couture, starring Jolie, debuted in French theaters recently.
At 24 years old, Maddox served as an assistant director on Couture, which tells the story of Maxine Walker, a character faced with a breast cancer diagnosis, whose life entwines with others during Paris Fashion Week. Upon the film’s release, Maddox appeared in the end credits as “Maddox Jolie,” marking a departure from the previously used “Jolie-Pitt” surname.
Maddox’s Name Change in Recent Film Credits
While Maddox dropped the “Pitt” surname in the credits for Couture, he was credited under the full Jolie-Pitt name in 2024 for his role as an executive producer on the film Maria, where Angelina portrayed opera singer Maria Callas. This marks a noticeable shift in how Maddox chooses to represent himself professionally.
Angelina Jolie, now 50, has six children with Brad Pitt: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Vivienne and Knox. Maddox is not the only child to have removed “Pitt” from their name, signaling a possible broader family trend.
Family Members Also Dropping Pitt Surname
Zahara Jolie, 21, omitted “Pitt” during her 2023 induction into the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at Spelman College in Atlanta, introducing herself as “Zahara Marley Jolie.” Similarly, Shiloh, 19, dropped the last name “Pitt” in playbills for the Broadway production The Outsiders, a show Angelina helped produce. Vivienne appeared as “Vivienne Jolie” in theater programs. These changes suggest a growing pattern among Angelina and Brad’s children distancing themselves from the “Pitt” surname in public spaces.
Brad Pitt’s Response to Name Changes Among His Children
An insider revealed that Brad Pitt, 62, was aware of and emotionally affected by these decisions, particularly Shiloh’s choice to drop his last name.
“He’s aware and upset that Shiloh dropped his last name. He’s never felt more joy than when she was born. He always wanted a daughter,”
the source shared.
He’s aware and upset that Shiloh dropped his last name. He’s never felt more joy than when she was born. He always wanted a daughter,
— Insider source
The reminders that he’s lost his children, is of course not easy for Brad. He loves his children and misses them. It’s very sad.
— Insider source
The source further added,
“Brad still loves all of his kids tremendously,”
but acknowledged that this
“whole process has been very hard for the whole family.”
still loves all of his kids tremendously,
— Insider source
whole process has been very hard for the whole family.
— Insider source
History of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s Custody and Divorce Battles
Following their separation, Brad Pitt filed for divorce in 2016 and sought full custody of their six children after an alleged incident involving him and the kids during a private jet flight. Jolie’s legal team accused Pitt of choking one child and striking another in the face, claims that were thoroughly investigated by the FBI but did not result in charges. The couple was legally declared single in 2019 and finalized their divorce in December 2024.
Despite efforts from Brad Pitt to reconnect, reports in 2023 indicated he remains estranged from most of his children. The public omission of his last name by several of his kids highlights ongoing familial tensions.
Broader Implications of the Name Dropping
The choice by Maddox and his siblings to exclude “Pitt” from their professional and social identities may reflect deeper emotional and legal complexities stemming from their parents’ highly publicized separation and custody disputes. This distancing could have lasting effects on their relationship with Brad, who according to insiders, continues to feel the pain of separation and loss.
As Angelina Jolie continues to focus on her acting and producing career alongside her children, the family dynamics remain closely watched by the public. The significance of these name changes underscores the impact of the couple’s tumultuous history and its influence on their children’s personal identities within the spotlight.
