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Maddox Jolie, the son of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has officially dropped his father’s last name, eight months after his sister Shiloh made a similar choice. This change was first noted on Thursday when Maddox was credited simply as Maddox Jolie in the end credits of his mother’s recent film, Couture.
The film, which opened in French theaters earlier this week, lists Maddox, 24, as an assistant director under the Jolie surname rather than Jolie-Pitt. Such a credit shift marks another public indication of Maddox’s decision to distance himself from Pitt’s name.
Film Credits and Name Changes Confirm Shift
Production notes for Couture, released to journalists, confirmed Maddox was credited as Maddox Jolie during the movie’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025. Previously, Maddox was credited as Maddox Jolie-Pitt in another of his mother’s projects, the biopic Maria, about opera legend Maria Callas, where he worked as a production assistant.
Shiloh Jolie, Maddox’s sister, also legally removed the Pitt surname last year shortly after turning 18. Shiloh’s lawyer, Peter Levine, stated that she made this decision independently after experiencing painful personal events and clarified that the legal name change notice was published in accordance with California law.
“Shiloh Jolie did not take out an ad announcing any name change, and any press reporting that is inaccurate,” Peter Levine, Shiloh’s lawyer
“As Shiloh’s attorney, I am required to publish a legal notice because the law in California requires that of anyone who wants to change their name. That legal notice was published in the Los Angeles Times, as is required,” Peter Levine, Shiloh’s lawyer
Family Strains and Limited Contact with Brad Pitt
Sources have revealed continued tension between Brad Pitt and his adult children. A source told People magazine that Pitt has almost no contact with Maddox and the other adult children, while his connection with the younger ones has diminished due to his busy filming schedule.
This strained relationship appears to extend to Pitt’s adopted son Pax, 22, whose recent public struggles have reportedly left Pitt feeling the relationship is beyond repair. An insider described Pitt’s attitude as one of resignation, stating he has no plans to reconnect with either Maddox or Pax.
“He has zero concern with what Pax does or doesn’t do. [Pax’s] actions reflect who he is,” insider
“Brad honestly considers his relationship with Pax unfixable,” insider
“Pax and Maddox have made it abundantly clear how they feel, and Brad has nothing to say about either of them,” insider
Meanwhile, Pitt reportedly remains hopeful that his younger children may eventually rebuild their relationship with him over time, despite the current difficulties.
Other Children’s Names and Changes Reflect Family Dynamics
Besides Maddox and Shiloh, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt share four other children: Pax, 22; Zahara, 21; and twins Knox and Vivienne, 17. Notably, Vivienne was credited as Vivienne Jolie, without the Pitt surname, in a 2024 Broadway musical playbill for The Outsiders.
Zahara, who is a Spelman College student and sorority member of Alpha Kappa Mu Pi, has also publicly identified herself using only Jolie as her surname. She introduced herself in a video from Los Angeles as Zahara Marley Jolie, omitting Pitt entirely.
Ongoing Divorce Fallout and Property Disputes
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt finalized their divorce settlement in December 2024, bringing an end to an eight-year legal battle marked by conflict. Despite the settlement, disagreements continue over their shared assets, particularly their French vineyard and estate.
Jolie sold her estimated $64 million stake in the vineyard to Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler in 2021, a transaction that remains a point of contention between the former couple.
Brad Pitt Reflects on Family and Personal Growth
In a June 2025 interview at the Formula 1 premiere in Mexico City, Pitt spoke candidly about his priorities and life lessons following the divorce. He emphasized learning from mistakes and the importance of surrounding oneself with loved ones.
“No matter the mistake, you just learn from [it] and move on,” Brad Pitt, actor
“It’ll lead to the next success,” Brad Pitt, actor
“When you get to my age, you realize how important it is to surround yourself with the people you love, the people that love you back,” Brad Pitt, actor
“Friends, family, and that’s it,” he added. ‘From there, we get to go make things. It’s a pretty simple, I think, equation,” Brad Pitt, actor
Responses to Brad Pitt’s Statements and Family Tensions
Despite Pitt’s public remarks about family, sources close to Angelina Jolie have criticized his portrayal of victimhood and questioned his role in the fractured relationships with their children. One source stated that Brad Pitt’s broken bonds with his kids are a consequence of his own behavior and urged him to take responsibility if he hopes to rebuild these connections.
“Brad continues to play the victim. His fractured relationship with his children is a direct result of how he has treated them,” source close to Jolie
“He should stop blaming others. If he wants to rebuild a relationship with the kids, he should acknowledge his own actions and make amends,” source close to Jolie