George Clooney Spills on the Role Brad Pitt Won’t Let Him Forget
George Clooney opens up about the part he missed out on to Brad Pitt, how it still stings, and what’s next for the Ocean’s crew. Find out which film moment still gets a laugh between these Hollywood mates.
George Clooney has never been shy about sharing the ups and downs of his career, but there’s one missed opportunity that still gets a rise out of him—and Brad Pitt isn’t about to let him forget it. Clooney, who stars in the new Noah Baumbach film Jay Kelly alongside Adam Sandler, recently reflected on a role that slipped through his fingers, and how it’s become a running joke between him and Pitt.
That Elusive Breakout Role
Back in the day, Clooney was keen for a big break in film, and he came close with the part of JD in Thelma and Louise. He made it all the way to the final audition, only to see the role go to Pitt. Clooney didn’t hold back when talking about it, saying,
“I got to the final test for a role in Thelma and Louise. And, motherfucker, Brad got it.”
He admitted the loss stung for ages.
“I didn’t watch Thelma and Louise for years because I was annoyed. The part launched his career in film. He was doing sitcoms and crap before, so when it was the thing that could’ve launched me? Fuck!”
Taking the Mickey
Turns out, Pitt is well aware of Clooney’s old grudge. Clooney revealed,
“Oh yeah, he gives me shit. But, of course, when I saw it, I was, like, well, it had to be that guy.”
The film’s famous shirtless scene has become a bit of a legend, and even Adam Sandler, Clooney’s co-star in Jay Kelly, couldn’t resist bringing it up. Sandler recalled,
“I saw that at the cinema and when Brad took his shirt off people went nuts. But it should have been you, Clooney.”
Looking Ahead: Ocean’s 14
Despite the old rivalry, the two blokes are set to team up again. Clooney let slip that Ocean’s 14 is officially in the works, with production kicking off next year. He shared the update at the New York Film Festival, saying,
“We just got the budget approved at Warner Brothers, and we’re trying to set up. It’s just scheduling, so it’s just setting a start date for us.”
Fans of the franchise will be keen to see what the next chapter brings for the much-loved crew.