George Clooney Upset Over Losing 'Thelma & Louise' Role to Brad Pitt: 'I Avoided Watching the Movie for Years'

George Clooney revealed in an interview with The Sunday Times that he still feels disappointed about missing out on the role of J.D. in Ridley Scotts 1991 movie Thelma & Louise, a part that ultimately went to his close friend Brad Pitt. Clooney recalled, I made it to the final audition, and then Brad got the role. I avoided watching the film for years because it annoyed me. That part really jumpstarted his career; he was mainly doing sitcoms and minor roles before that. That could have been my big break!

In the movie, J.D. is a charming drifter who shares a brief romance with Thelma, played by Geena Davis. Clooney noted that the film turned Pitt into a major movie star, and afterward, Pitt starred in films such as A River Runs Through It, Interview with the Vampire, Se7en, and 12 Monkeys. Clooney also mentioned that Pitt still teases him about winning the role. Oh yes, he still gives me a hard time, Clooney said. But looking back, it had to be him for that role.

Clooney had to wait a few years after Thelma & Louise to achieve his own breakout in film. He became widely known for his role as Dr. Doug Ross on the television series ER from 1994 to 1999. In 1997, he played Batman in Joel Schumachers Batman & Robin, which was critically panned, but he rebounded the following year with Steven Soderberghs thriller Out of Sight, a role that solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood.

Author: Sophia Brooks