George Clooney has revealed his lingering frustration about losing out to Brad Pitt for a breakout role in Thelma & Louise, revisiting a rivalry that shaped their early Hollywood careers. The George Clooney Thelma Louise rivalry, which began in the early 1990s, continues to be a memorable chapter for both actors who went on to become industry icons.
Clooney’s Final Audition for Thelma & Louise and Landing the Rivalry
Brad Pitt was ultimately cast as J.D., the charismatic drifter who woos Geena Davis’ character in Thelma & Louise, a role that became a springboard for Pitt’s Hollywood ascent. Discussing the experience during an interview with U.K. publication The Times, Clooney confessed that he missed a career-defining moment when Pitt landed the part.
“I got to the final test for a role in Thelma & Louise,”
Clooney stated, making it clear how close he came. “And, motherf—er, Brad got it.” – George Clooney, Actor
That loss left Clooney working on television projects like Baby Talk and Bodies of Evidence during the early ’90s, while Pitt quickly moved on to high-profile films from notable filmmakers including Robert Redford and Tony Scott. Clooney admitted that the outcome stung for years and shaped his perception of Pitt’s rapid rise.
Resentment and Professional Teasing Between Clooney and Pitt
Clooney admitted to holding a grudge after Pitt’s victory, avoiding the film for years because of his disappointment. He recalled,
“I didn’t watch Thelma & Louise for years,”
describing his annoyance,
“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? F—!!”
– George Clooney, Actor
Pitt, in turn, often joked about this episode.
“Oh yeah, he gives me s—,”
Clooney said of his friend, later conceding Pitt was the rightful choice for the character,
“Of course, when I saw it, I was, like, well, it had to be that guy.”
– George Clooney, Actor
Memories from Others Involved in the Film
The cultural impact of Pitt’s shirtless scene in the film was enduring, as Adam Sandler recalled,
“I saw that at the cinema and when Brad took his shirt off people went nuts,”
he reminisced, then told Clooney,
“But it should have been you, Clooney.”
– Adam Sandler, Actor
Geena Davis also shared her own recollection of Clooney’s disappointment over the loss.
“I was on a plane next to George Clooney by happenstance. We’re chatting, and he says, ‘You know, I hate that Brad Pitt,’”
she remembered.
“‘And I said, ‘No, you don’t, he’s your friend.’ And he said, ‘No, I hate him because he got that part in Thelma & Louise.’ And I said, ‘Oh, were you interested in that part?’ He said, ‘Oh, couldn’t you tell when I read with you?’ And I said, ‘Oh.’”
– Geena Davis, Actress
Clooney and Pitt’s Ongoing Hollywood Partnership
Despite the early bump in their relationship, Clooney and Pitt eventually built a close friendship that turned into an effective professional partnership. The pair starred together in the Ocean’s Eleven trilogy, joining talents with Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Andy Garcia, and Julia Roberts across several blockbuster sequels. Clooney also directed Pitt in Confessions of a Dangerous Mind and the two appeared in the Coen brothers’ film Burn After Reading as well as Jon Watts’ Wolfs.
Looking Forward: Future Collaborations and the Lasting Impact
Clooney has recently hinted at plans to lead a new project in the franchise, telling E! News that he hopes to reunite with the likes of Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and Don Cheadle.
“They’re all still really dear friends, so the chance to work together would be fun,”
Clooney shared in October. – George Clooney, Actor
The George Clooney Thelma Louise rivalry remains an important story in Hollywood, demonstrating how pivotal casting decisions can change the course of careers. While the initial disappointment was palpable for Clooney, the mutual respect and camaraderie between him and Pitt have contributed to some of the most memorable collaborations in modern cinema, and fans continue to look forward to their future projects together.
