George Clooney says losing 1991 classic to Brad Pitt delayed his film career

George Clooney says one missed opportunity nearly changed the entire trajectory of his career.

The 64-year-old actor made the claim in a new interview, recalling how he got as far as the final screen test for the role of J.D. in Ridley Scott’s 1991 film Thelma & Louise but eventually lost it to a then–unknown Brad Pitt.

“I got to the final test for a role in Thelma & Louise. And, m***********, Brad got it,” Clooney told The Sunday Times. 

Clooney admitted he refused to watch the film for years because he believed it would have been his breakthrough in movies. “He was doing sitcoms and crap before, so when it was the thing that could’ve launched me? F***!”

Clooney eventually watched the film and conceded Pitt, now 61, was the right choice. The two went on to become longtime friends and co-stars in the Ocean’s franchise.

Pitt has also spoken about the turbulent casting process, telling W Magazine in 2023 that he repeatedly lost and regained consideration for the role before finally landing it. “I feel like it was three times,” he said.

Clooney made his transition from TV to film a few years later with From Dusk Till Dawn (1996).