George Clooney Recalls Losing Thelma & Louise Role to Brad Pitt: “I Was Annoyed”

Clooney Reflects on a Near-Miss That Changed Hollywood History

December 1, 2025: George Clooney is looking back on one of the most famous casting decisions in Hollywood — and how he nearly landed the breakout role Brad Pitt made iconic in Thelma & Louise. In a recent conversation, Clooney admitted that losing the part left him “annoyed,” especially given how close he came to securing the job.

A Role That Slipped Through His Fingers

Clooney revealed that he auditioned multiple times for the role of J.D., the charming drifter who became Brad Pitt’s star-making moment in the 1991 Ridley Scott classic. After making it deep into the casting process, he was ultimately passed over — a decision that stung at the time and one he has not forgotten decades later.
He joked that seeing Pitt’s career take off afterward made him “feel it all over again,” even though he now laughs about it.

Why Clooney Says He Understands the Choice Now

Despite his initial frustration, Clooney admitted he eventually understood why the part went to Pitt. He acknowledged that Pitt brought a fresh, raw charisma that fit the character perfectly and created an undeniable cultural moment.
Clooney said that while it was disappointing, the decision made sense once he saw Pitt’s performance: “He was great. You can’t argue with that.”

How the Missed Role Shaped Clooney’s Own Career

Losing Thelma & Louise may have been painful, but Clooney now credits the setback with pushing him harder toward opportunities that eventually defined his career.
His breakout wouldn’t come until years later on ER, followed by major film roles and eventually two Oscars — proof, he says, that one missed opportunity doesn’t block the path to long-term success.

Fans Enjoy the Good-Natured Reflection

Clooney’s candid comments have delighted fans, who appreciate the actor’s self-deprecating humor and honesty about his early struggles. Many noted that his openness is refreshing in an industry where actors rarely admit disappointment so plainly.
The playful story has also reignited nostalgic conversations about both actors’ early days in Hollywood.

A Reminder That Hollywood Success Isn’t Linear

Clooney says experiences like this taught him resilience and perspective — essential tools in a competitive industry. Looking back, he sees the loss not as a failure, but as a piece of the journey that ultimately shaped who he became as an actor and filmmaker.