Despite decades passing by and George Clooney becoming one of the most revered names in Hollywood, it seems that the Batman & Robin star is still not over Brad Pitt taking away his role in Thelma & Louise, a film that helped launch Pitt’s career. Clooney still feels it could have been him instead of the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood star.
George Clooney talks about losing role to Brad Pitt
George Clooney has practically achieved everything one can hope to achieve in Hollywood, but one of his rare regrets remains in losing a key role in Thelma & Louise to Brad Pitt.
Clooney spoke about this in a recent interview with The Times UK, where he and Adam Sandler discussed their latest film, Jay Kelly, which drops on Netflix this week.
Speaking about the lost opportunity, Clooney said, “I got to the final test for a role in ‘Thelma & Louise.’ And, motherf***er, Brad got it.” Clooney was up for the role of J.D., the handsome drifter who Thelma fell for in the movie. The role became pivotal in Pitt reaching superstardom. As for Clooney, it took a few more years till he had his big break with ER.
“I didn’t watch ‘Thelma & Louise’ for years, because I was annoyed,” Clooney said, “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? F**k!!”
He said that Brad Pitt still teased him about the role. “Oh yeah, he gives me s**t,” he said, but added, “Of course, when I saw it, I was, like, well, it ‘had’ to be that guy.”
Adam Sandler, who shared the screen with Clooney very recently, supported his co-star in the debate and said, “I saw that at the cinema and when Brad took his shirt off people went nuts…But it should have been you, Clooney.”
Despite this little complaint, Clooney and Pitt remain good friends and have collaborated often in their packed careers.
Jay Kelly will premiere on Netflix on December 5, 2025.
