George Clooney Was ‘Pissed’ To Lose Iconic Role to Brad Pitt

George Clooney has opened up about one of the biggest what-ifs of his early career, which was losing the breakout role in Thelma & Louise to Brad Pitt. While both actors went on to become Hollywood icons and even co-led the Ocean’s franchise, Clooney admits the missed opportunity stuck with him for years.

George Clooney to be J.D. in Thelma and Louise

George Clooney revealed that the role of J.D. in Thelma & Louise — the same part that catapulted Brad Pitt to stardom — came down to just the two of them. At the time, both were still struggling actors hoping for a big break.

When asked if there was a role he still thinks about, Clooney didn’t hesitate to revisit the one that slipped away. “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 and 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—–…’” he told ScreenRant.

The actor admitted that the disappointment lingered long after Pitt’s casting, especially as Pitt’s career skyrocketed while Clooney continued working in smaller TV roles throughout the ’90s. The Ocean’s Eleven star shared that after finally watching the film years later, he understood why the casting directors chose Pitt.

“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, ‘S—, I should have done that one.’”

Today, Clooney and Pitt are both celebrated for their long, successful careers. Clooney is soon going to be seen in Jay Kelly, a comedy-drama directed by Noah Baumbach and starring him alongside Adam Sandler.

Source: Comingsoon.net