George Clooney Shares the Role Brad Pitt Won’t Let Him Forget
George Clooney opens up about losing a career-defining role to Brad Pitt, the friendly teasing that followed, and what’s next for the Ocean’s franchise.
George Clooney recently got candid about a missed opportunity that still lingers in his memory—and how Brad Pitt never lets him live it down. In his latest film, Clooney stars as a celebrated actor embarking on a soul-searching trip across Europe with his manager, played by Adam Sandler. While Clooney’s career now seems unstoppable, he remembers a time when things didn’t go his way.
Missing Out on a Breakthrough
During a conversation about his journey in Hollywood, Clooney recalled coming painfully close to landing the part of JD in the iconic movie Thelma & Louise.
“I got to the final test for a role in Thelma and Louise. And, motherfucker, Brad got it.”
Clooney admitted that the loss stung for years.
“I didn’t watch Thelma and 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? Fuck!”
That role, which ultimately went to Pitt, became a turning point in Pitt’s career, while Clooney was left wondering what might have been.
Brad Pitt’s Ongoing Teasing
When asked if Pitt is aware of Clooney’s lingering frustration, Clooney didn’t hesitate.
“Oh yeah, he gives me shit. But, of course, when I saw it, I was, like, well, it had to be that guy.”
The film’s famous scene, where Pitt’s character takes off his shirt, is still a topic of conversation. Sandler, Clooney’s co-star in his new movie, joked about the moment, saying,
“I saw that at the cinema and when Brad took his shirt off people went nuts. But it should have been you, Clooney.”
The friendly ribbing between Clooney and Pitt has become a running joke, a reminder of how one role can change everything.
Looking Ahead: Ocean’s 14
Despite the playful rivalry, the two stars are set to team up once again. Clooney revealed that production on the next installment of the Ocean’s series is moving forward. He shared at a recent film festival,
“We just got the budget approved at Warner Brothers, and we’re trying to set up. It’s just scheduling, so it’s just setting a start date for us.”
Fans can look forward to seeing Clooney and Pitt back together on screen, proving that even Hollywood’s biggest stars never forget the roles that got away.