George Clooney recently shared his lingering frustrations about missing out on a lead role in Ridley Scott Thelma and Louise, one that ultimately launched Brad Pitt’s movie career instead. The Oscar-winning actor discussed the impact of this lost opportunity while promoting his new film, drawing parallels between his own journey and the unpredictable nature of Hollywood stardom.
Clooney Recalls Competing With Pitt for a Career-Changing Role
While promoting the Noah Baumbach film Jay Kelly, in which Clooney portrays a prominent actor on a European tour, Clooney reflected on past career moments that shaped him. During a conversation with Screen Rant, he admitted that there are a few films he wished he had been part of, especially Ridley Scott Thelma and Louise. This crime drama, which starred Susan Sarandon as Louise and Geena Davis as Thelma, tells the gripping story of two women whose road trip turns into a bold escape from the authorities.
In recounting his experience vying for the part in 1991, Clooney remembered how pivotal that moment was. The competition came down to him and Brad Pitt, both relatively unknown at the time, leading Clooney to feel intense disappointment when Pitt landed the role of J.D. Pitt’s portrayal, which saw him crossing paths with Thelma during her journey, became a breakthrough moment and set the stage for his rise in Hollywood.
“Well, I had a couple of films that I tried to get. It came down to Brad Pitt and me, and both of us were kind of struggling at the time, for Thelma & Louise. Pitt got it, and I was pissed! [Laughs] I didn’t watch the movie for years, and that was a launching pad for Brad. I remember thinking, ‘That f-cker…’ And then I saw it, and I go, ‘Of course, he should have gotten it.’ There are a couple of things that got away over time, but for the right reasons. People’s careers kind of come and go; they work out when they work out. You can’t look back and go, ‘Sh*t, I should have done that one.’”
– George Clooney, Actor
Thelma & Louise’s Lasting Impact on Hollywood Careers
Pitt’s role as J.D. in Ridley Scott Thelma and Louise saw him transform from struggling actor into a Hollywood name, paving the way for projects like A River Runs Through It, Kalifornia, and Interview with the Vampire. Meanwhile, Clooney stayed in television, with appearances on Sunset Beat, Roseanne, and Bodies of Evidence before breaking out with his role as Dr. Doug Ross in the acclaimed series ER in 1994. The turn to drama in ER shifted Clooney’s career, as the show catapulted him into the public eye and Hollywood’s A-list.
After ER, Clooney quickly transitioned to film, starring in From Dusk Till Dawn, One Fine Day, The Peacemaker, and Out of Sight. Despite some missteps, like his turn in Batman & Robin, his career continued its upward climb. His eventual starring role in Ocean’s Eleven even put him on screen alongside Brad Pitt, the very actor he once envied for getting the part in Thelma & Louise. This not only marked a major milestone in Clooney’s filmography, but also illustrated how Hollywood careers can intersect in unexpected ways.
The Main Cast of Thelma & Louise
Ridley Scott Thelma and Louise featured a notable ensemble:
1. Susan Sarandon played Louise, delivering a memorable performance as one of the two leading women whose journey forms the heart of the film.
2. Geena Davis took on the role of Thelma, whose transition from conventional life to fugitive made the narrative both emotional and thrilling.
3. Harvey Keitel portrayed Hal, a detective determined to track down Thelma and Louise throughout their escape.
4. Michael Madsen appeared as Jimmy, contributing another compelling character to the ensemble, adding depth to the supporting cast.
Looking Back—Clooney’s Perspective on Missed Opportunities
George Clooney’s reflection on not landing the role in Ridley Scott Thelma and Louise illustrates the emotional challenges actors face as their careers take shape. Losing out to Brad Pitt was a source of frustration and envy early on, but Clooney recognizes that such moments are part of a larger pattern in show business, where timing and circumstance often dictate success. The actor’s willingness to discuss his own disappointment openly highlights the turbulent and unpredictable journey of Hollywood stardom. His experience, mirrored in his recent film Jay Kelly, suggests that missed opportunities can eventually lead to new beginnings and parallel successes for actors on different timelines.
