Maddox Jolie, son of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has dropped his father’s last name in the credits of the new film Couture, where he worked as an assistant director. This change marks a notable step in Maddox’s decision to move away from the Pitt surname as he is listed solely under Maddox Jolie in the film’s official credits.
Family Background and Name Changes Among Siblings
Angelina Jolie, 50, and Brad Pitt, 62, were married from 2014 until their divorce was finalized in December 2024, having six children together. Initially, all of their children shared the hyphenated last name Jolie-Pitt. However, in recent years, several of their children have chosen to distance themselves from their father’s name. Maddox’s siblings have also altered their surnames in various ways: Zahara Marley Jolie used a shortened version without Pitt when she joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority in June 2024, while their younger sister Vivienne went by Vivienne Jolie in the Playbill for the Tony-winning musical The Outsiders, which she co-produced with their mother.
Shiloh’s Legal Name Change Reflects Broader Family Dynamics
Shiloh, now 19, officially dropped Pitt from her name on her 18th birthday in 2024 and professionally goes by Shi Jolie. An insider explained that
“Shiloh hired her own lawyer and paid for it herself,”
clarifying that Angelina was not involved in the legal process. This action reflects a wider estrangement between Brad Pitt and several of his children following the divorce.
Insights Into Brad Pitt’s Response to the Name Changes
Sources close to the family have shared that Brad Pitt was deeply affected by these decisions. One insider said,
“Brad was devastated by this choice,”
and added,
“To him, it was more than a change of name — it was a symbol of a deeper estrangement that has been brewing for years.”
Another confirmed that Pitt struggles emotionally, with one comment revealing,
“Brad’s putting on a brave face, but behind closed doors, he’s finding it extremely difficult to come to terms with [what’s happening].”
It was also noted that the children have had difficulty reconnecting with their father since their mother became the primary caregiver after the separation, explaining,
“Their mom is the head of the household, and she’s raised them with love and selflessness their whole lives. Once Brad left, it was very hard for them to see him go to war with her.”
Brad Pitt’s New Chapter and Angelina Jolie’s Focus
Following their divorce, Brad Pitt has moved forward publicly with jewelry designer Ines de Ramon. During a June 2025 interview with GQ regarding his public appearance with de Ramon at a Formula One race and the premiere of his F1-themed film, he downplayed any strategic intent, stating,
“No, dude, it’s not that calculated. If you’re living … oh my God, how exhausting would that be? If you’re living with making those kinds of calculations? No, life just evolves. Relationships evolve.”
Meanwhile, Angelina Jolie has not reentered the dating scene and remains concentrated on her acting career alongside raising their children. She shared a candid moment with The New York Times about visiting one of her sons in her former New York City apartment:
“The other day I said I was going to pop by, and he was like, ‘Can you just give me a day to clean?’ I thought, ‘I appreciate that, you should clean up for your mother. But also, how bad is it?’”
Significance of the Name Changes Within the Family
The decision by Maddox and his siblings to eliminate Pitt from their names highlights ongoing tensions resulting from Angelina and Brad’s divorce and the complexities of their blended family dynamics. These choices symbolize a deeper emotional rift and represent a public assertion of independence from their father’s legacy. Moving forward, the relationships between Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and their children will likely continue to evolve as they navigate these personal challenges amid public scrutiny.