George Clooney recently shared how he lost a pivotal film opportunity to Brad Pitt, revealing emotional details about nearly landing the role in Thelma & Louise. Discussing this turning point, Clooney offered a candid look at how missing the part shaped his early film career and his longstanding friendship with Pitt, highlighting how George Clooney lost film role to his now-famous peer.
Clooney Opens Up About a Career-Defining Near Miss
In a candid interview with The Sunday Times, Clooney, now 64, reflected on his early work in television and the impact of not being cast as J.D. in the 1991 film Thelma & Louise. He spoke about reaching the final round of auditions, only to learn Brad Pitt would be playing the now-iconic part. Looking back, Clooney admitted that the loss was tough for him and it took years before he could bring himself to watch the film.
“I got to the final test for a role in Thelma & Louise, and, motherf——, Brad got it,”
Clooney playfully remarked. — Clooney, Actor
He explained that missing out on the film had a real sting, especially since Pitt’s appearance in the movie quickly propelled him from television to worldwide fame. Clooney recalled,
“I didn’t watch Thelma & Louise for years because I was annoyed,”
he said.
“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—!”
— Clooney, Actor
Over time, though, Clooney’s perspective changed, and he recognized Pitt was perfect for the role, saying,
“But, of course, when I saw it, I was like, ‘Well, it had to be that guy.’”
— Clooney, Actor
Pitt and Davis Remember How the Film Changed Everything
Brad Pitt, now aged 61, has also spoken about the hurdles he faced before ultimately being cast as J.D. Speaking with W Magazine, Pitt described a casting process filled with twists and rejections before finally landing the role.
“I just thought, I’m the guy for this,”
Pitt said at the time.
“I didn’t get the part at first, and then it came back around, and I didn’t get it again, and I went, ‘Huh. All right. Moving on.’ And then it came back around again … I feel like it was three times.”
— Pitt, Actor
Pitt reminisced fondly about filming the romantic scenes with Geena Davis, noting her kindness during the famously intimate shoot.
“Geena [Davis] was so sweet and kind and delicate,”
he recalled.
“That love scene, I think, went on for two days of shooting. She took care of me.”
— Pitt, Actor
Geena Davis, who portrayed Thelma Dickinson, recalled being impressed by Pitt’s skill from his audition. In her 2020 comments to People, Davis said,
“I could tell when he was auditioning that he was super talented. He has done so many incredible things over the years.”
— Davis, Actress
She added,
“He really is the ‘star’ of the moment, which is fabulous, and it is just great to see.”
— Davis, Actress
Enduring Friendship and Professional Partnership
Although missing out on the role was a difficult moment for Clooney, the two actors have moved beyond it, working together on major movies including Ocean’s Eleven and its sequels. Their collaboration has grown into a trusted working relationship and real friendship. Today, Clooney is able to reflect on that early loss with humor, and with deep respect for Pitt’s career trajectory.
The story of how George Clooney lost film role to Brad Pitt is a testament to the challenges and unpredictability of a Hollywood career, but also highlights the value of perseverance, growth, and camaraderie between artists who would later become close friends and admired collaborators.
