Maddox Jolie, the eldest son of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has recently made headlines following his involvement in his mother’s new film, *Couture*, in which he served as an assistant director. Notably, his name is credited simply as Maddox Jolie, a significant departure from previous listings where he appeared as Maddox Jolie-Pitt.
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The film, which premiered in France, features Angelina Jolie in the leading role of an American film director diagnosed with breast cancer while in France to create a video for a Paris fashion show. The film’s release in French cinemas on February 18 has been well received, and the choice to credit Maddox under only his mother’s surname is drawing attention as a reflection of the evolving dynamics within the Jolie-Pitt family.
Previously, Maddox was credited as Maddox Jolie-Pitt in *Maria*, a drama released in 2024 that spotlighted Angelina Jolie as the famed opera singer Maria Callas. In this film, Maddox worked as a production assistant. His recent name change in the credits suggests a growing trend among his siblings to distance themselves from the Pitt surname, signalling a shift in family identity.
In recent years, several of Maddox’s siblings have also started to identify more closely with their mother’s surname. Vivienne Jolie, one of his younger sisters, was credited simply as Vivienne Jolie in the Playbill of *The Outsiders*, a Broadway musical that Angelina produced. Meanwhile, Zahara Jolie introduced herself as a member of her sorority, using her full name. These developments indicate a conscious choice among the children to redefine their identities.
In August 2024, Shiloh Jolie, another one of Maddox’s siblings, legally changed her name to drop the ‘Pitt’. Following her 18th birthday, Shiloh published her name change forms in the Los Angeles Times, confirming her decision to adopt her mother’s surname exclusively. Her attorney mentioned at the time that the decision stemmed from significant personal reflection following difficult family circumstances.
These name changes follow the tumultuous split of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in 2016, which saw them embroiled in a prolonged legal battle. The divorce was finalised in late 2024, and reports suggest that the relationship between the children and their father has suffered strain in the aftermath of the separation. Relations between Pitt and his children have reportedly been challenging, particularly following Shiloh’s decision to drop his name.
Sources close to Brad Pitt have indicated that he is aware of the distance that has formed between him and his children. It has been suggested that he feels the loss of the familial connection deeply, as it is a painful reminder of the changes within their family structure. Brad’s love for his children reportedly remains strong, as he continues to navigate the complexities of their relationships.
The narrative surrounding the Jolie-Pitt family is one of evolving identities, with each of the children finding their way within a complicated family history marked by public scrutiny and personal struggle. As Maddox embarks on a promising career in the film industry, the impact of family dynamics and individual choices will undoubtedly shape his future.
The current developments suggest a conscious shift in the perspective of how the Jolie-Pitt children wish to be perceived, shedding their father’s surname in favour of exclusively embracing their mother’s lineage. Whether this trend continues as they navigate their personal and professional lives remains to be seen, but the signs indicate a strong desire for autonomy and self-definition among Angelina Jolie’s children.