Brad Pitt is the primary entity for this article, supported by Entertainment topic context.
Related WII context: related keeper article. External authority context: industry context.
Maddox Jolie-Pitt, the eldest son of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, has recently removed “Pitt” from his credited name in his mother’s latest film, marking another development in the ongoing family estrangement. This change appeared in the credits of Couture, a drama starring Angelina Jolie that debuted in French cinemas in early 2026.
Maddox’s Name Change in Film Credits Highlights Family Rift
At 24 years old, Maddox worked as an assistant director on Couture, which tells the story of Maxine Walker, a woman dealing with breast cancer during Paris Fashion Week. When the film premiered in France, Maddox was credited simply as Maddox Jolie rather than Maddox Jolie-Pitt, which contrasts with his prior credits. In 2024, for example, he used the full Jolie-Pitt surname while serving as executive producer on Maria, another film featuring his mother.
This decision to drop “Pitt” from his name reflects a broader pattern among Brad Pitt’s children distancing themselves from their father’s surname. Zahara Jolie, aged 21, omitted “Pitt” during her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority induction at Spelman College in Atlanta, introducing herself as Zahara Marley Jolie. Shiloh, 19, and Vivienne, 17, have likewise removed “Pitt” from their public names within recent years in theatrical and other creative contexts.
The Ongoing Strain Between Brad Pitt and His Children
Sources have confirmed tensions run high between Brad Pitt and his children amid this estrangement. One insider revealed that Brad, now 62, was “aware and upset” when Shiloh dropped his last name, recalling the joy he felt when she was born and his desire to have a daughter.
He’s aware and upset that Shiloh dropped his last name. He’s never felt more joy than when she was born. He always wanted a daughter,
— Insider
The reminders that he’s lost his children, is of course not easy for Brad. He loves his children and misses them. It’s very sad.
— Insider
Still loves all of his kids tremendously, this whole process has been very hard for the whole family.
— Insider
The estrangement comes after a bitter divorce and custody battle that began when Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt in 2016. The split followed an alleged abusive event during a private jet flight involving Brad and their children. Jolie’s legal team accused Pitt of choking one child and striking another. However, a thorough FBI investigation concluded without filing any charges against Pitt.
Background on the Pitt-Jolie Custody Conflict and Divorce Resolution
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s divorce became final in December 2024, following their legal separation in 2019. Since then, Brad has made several attempts to reconnect with his six children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Vivienne and Knox—but sources indicate he remains largely estranged from most of them.
The couple’s five younger children—Pax, 22, Zahara, 21, Shiloh, 19, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 17—have also gradually distanced themselves from their father’s surname in public appearances and professional credits, further illustrating the fractures in the family dynamic.
Impact and Future Outlook for the Jolie-Pitt Family
The removal of “Pitt” from Maddox’s professional credits amid the family separation underscores the ongoing emotional difficulties faced by both Brad Pitt and his children. While Brad reportedly still loves his children deeply, the widening emotional gap reflects the lasting consequences of their fractured relationship.
As Maddox continues to establish his career in the film industry under the Jolie name, it remains uncertain whether efforts to repair family bonds will succeed or if further public distancing from the Pitt surname will occur. The evolution of these relationships will likely continue to attract attention as the family navigates their complex past and present challenges.