Brad Pitt continues to tease his long-time friend George Clooney about beating him to a key role over three decades ago, keeping the story of the George Clooney iconic film role near the surface of their friendship. This friendly rivalry centers on the movie Thelma + Louise, which marked a significant turning point in Pitt’s Hollywood career.
A Missed Opportunity That Changed Careers
Brad Pitt’s breakthrough came when he landed the role of J.D. in Sir Ridley Scott’s well-known film Thelma + Louise, pushing his career into stardom. George Clooney, already established in television at the time, was competing for the same part and reached the final auditions. The lingering impact of missing out on this film was personally significant for Clooney, who openly admitted to being upset about not getting the chance.
Reflecting on that time, Clooney shared with The Sunday Times Culture magazine his frustration, saying he could not bring himself to watch the movie for several years because of how much the lost opportunity bothered him.
“And I got to the final test for a role in Thelma + Louise. And, mother****er, Brad got it.”
I didn’t watch Thelma + Louise for years, because I was annoyed. The part launched his career in film. He was doing sitcoms and c*** before, so when it was the thing that could’ve launched me? F***!
– George Clooney, Actor
Playful Banter Between Friends
Despite the early disappointment, George Clooney and Brad Pitt developed a friendship and later collaborated on multiple movies together, including the upcoming film Wolfs. Clooney revealed that Pitt still jokingly reminds him about missing out on Thelma + Louise.
“Oh yeah, he gives me s***. But, of course, when I saw it, I was, like, well it had to be that guy.”
Oh yeah, he gives me s***. But, of course, when I saw it, I was, like, well it had to be that guy.
– George Clooney, Actor
The friendly rivalry has become part of their relationship, adding a humorous edge to their ongoing connection.
Elaborate Pranks Involving Hollywood Stars
George Clooney is known for his sense of humor and often plays pranks on friends, sometimes involving Pitt’s name. He described how he once impersonated Pitt through fake letters to other celebrities, including Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep. In a conversation with Jimmy Kimmel, Clooney said he sent a letter to Tom Cruise about a fictional sequel, writing in Brad Pitt’s tone:
“I sent [a letter] to Tom Cruise, saying they want to do [Interview with the Vampire 2], but this time Brad wants to play Lestat.”
I sent [a letter] to Tom Cruise, saying they want to do [Interview with the Vampire 2], but this time Brad wants to play Lestat.
– George Clooney, Actor
Jimmy Kimmel responded with his own anecdote, indicating the prank was well-received by all involved:
“Brad this afternoon said that Tom called him and said, ‘Yeah, it’s cool, you can play Lestat, that’s fine, I’m OK with that,’ and he was like, ‘What are you talking about?’”
Brad this afternoon said that Tom called him and said, ‘Yeah, it’s cool, you can play Lestat, that’s fine, I’m OK with that,’ and he was like, ‘What are you talking about?’
– Jimmy Kimmel, Talk Show Host
Not stopping with Cruise, Clooney also targeted Meryl Streep, sending a letter and a selection of CDs intended to help with her accent work. He noted:
“I sent [a letter] to Meryl Streep with a box of CDs for dialect and I said, ‘This guy helped me with my accent in Troy and I think it could really help you.’”
I sent [a letter] to Meryl Streep with a box of CDs for dialect and I said, ‘This guy helped me with my accent in Troy and I think it could really help you.’
– George Clooney, Actor
Enduring Dynamic and Industry Impact
The ongoing humour and competitive spirit between Brad Pitt and George Clooney highlight not just their long-standing friendship but also the unpredictable nature of Hollywood success. Clooney’s candid remarks and Pitt’s teasing shed light on how one casting decision can shape careers, turning simple moments into lasting personal histories. Their playful exchanges and celebrity pranks have become stories of their own, further cementing their status as notable figures among today’s actors, and keeping the story of the George Clooney iconic film role alive for fans and colleagues.
