George Clooney recently opened up about his emotions surrounding the iconic film “Thelma & Louise.” In an interview with The Times, the actor shared his feelings of resentment over losing the role of J.D., the charismatic drifter portrayed by Brad Pitt.
Clooney’s Resentment Over Losing the Role
At 64 years old, Clooney recounted his near miss for the role, which became a breakout performance for Brad Pitt in 1991. Clooney stated, “I got to the final test for a role in ‘Thelma & Louise.’ And, motherf—–, Brad got it.” At that moment, Clooney was primarily recognized for his work on television.
Impact of the Role on Careers
In “Thelma & Louise,” best friends Thelma Dickinson (Geena Davis) and Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon) encounter J.D. at a roadside motel while on the run. The role propelled Pitt to stardom, whereas Clooney’s fame came later when he starred as Dr. Doug Ross in the TV series “ER.”
- Year of Release: 1991
- Key Cast: Geena Davis, Susan Sarandon, Brad Pitt
- Clooney’s Role Sought: J.D.
- Pitt’s Breakout Role: J.D.
Clooney’s Struggles with Resentment
Clooney admitted to harboring resentment for years after Pitt was cast. He believed the role could have launched his film career earlier. “I didn’t watch ‘Thelma & Louise’ for years because I was annoyed,” Clooney confessed.
From Rivalry to Friendship
Over time, the two actors developed a close friendship and collaborated on several films, including “Ocean’s Eleven” and its sequels. Clooney mentioned that Pitt often teases him about not landing the role of J.D. Nonetheless, he recognized that Pitt was the right choice for the character.
Other Actors in the Running
During the casting process for J.D., other contenders included Mark Ruffalo and Grant Show. Geena Davis, who played Thelma, shared her experience working with candidates for the role and highlighted the charisma Pitt brought to his audition.
- Other Finalists for J.D.: Mark Ruffalo, Grant Show
- Davis’s Impression of Pitt: Highly charismatic and talented
Pitt’s Reflections on His Breakthrough
In a 2023 interview with W magazine, Pitt noted that landing the role in “Thelma & Louise” marked his entry into the film industry’s big leagues. He recounted multiple auditions before securing the part, illustrating the competitive nature of the casting process.
Conclusion
Clooney’s reflections on losing the role emphasize a pivotal moment in both actors’ careers. While he faced initial bitterness, their journey has evolved into a robust friendship, underscoring the unpredictable nature of Hollywood.
