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George Clooney Says Brad Pitt Beat Him to ‘Thelma & Louise’ Breakthrough, Still Teases Him

Clooney shared the memory in a Times interview tied to his Jay Kelly press tour.

Overview

  • Clooney said he reached the final test for the role of J.D. in the 1991 film before losing out to Pitt.
  • He recalled avoiding the movie for years out of frustration over missing what he believed could have jump-started his film career.
  • Clooney said Pitt still gives him grief about it, though he now concedes Pitt was the right choice after finally watching the performance.
  • Geena Davis has said the casting narrowed to four finalists and that Pitt’s audition stood out, with reports naming Grant Show and Mark Ruffalo among the contenders.
  • Adam Sandler, Clooney’s Jay Kelly costar present for the interview, remembered audiences erupting during Pitt’s shirtless scene, underscoring the role’s breakout impact.