In a recent revelation, actress Geena Davis shared insights about the competitive audition process for the iconic role of J.D. in the 1991 film Thelma & Louise, a part that ultimately launched Brad Pitt into stardom. While discussing her experiences on the show Watch What Happens Live, Davis recounted a light-hearted yet poignant exchange with George Clooney, who also vied for the role.
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During the episode hosted by Andy Cohen, Davis, now 70, reminisced about the film that follows the journey of Thelma, portrayed by Davis, and Louise, played by Susan Sarandon, as they find themselves on the run after a dramatic incident. Among a stellar cast featuring actors like Harvey Keitel and Michael Madsen, it was Pitt’s portrayal as the charismatic hustler that would serve as his breakout performance.
As the conversation turned to Pitt’s casting, Cohen posed a question regarding the experience of kissing the then-unknown actor. Davis, a veteran of films like The Fly and Beetlejuice, initially hesitated to summarise the moment with just one word. However, when Nathan Fillion humorously suggested descriptors like “memorable” and “sublime,” Davis quickly concurred, emphasising the strong impression Pitt left on her during their time on screen.
Davis elaborated on the audition process, recognising that while Pitt had impressed her with his skills, it was ultimately his talent that secured him the role. Reflecting on the auditions, she noted that she had read with four finalists, including a young Clooney. At the time, Clooney, now 62, was predominantly known for his television roles in shows such as The Facts of Life and Roseanne, with his breakout role in ER still three years away.
A revealing encounter later occurred when Davis boarded a flight and discovered she would be seated next to Clooney. The actor, known for his charm and charisma, animatedly spoke about Pitt during the flight, expressing a mix of frustration and admiration. Clooney, with a wry sense of humour, admitted to Davis his disdain for Pitt, jesting, “I hate that Brad Pitt,” a remark that underlined the friendly rivalry between the two actors even as they went on to become close friends, sharing the screen in the Ocean’s Eleven series starting in 2001.
Clooney’s candid reaction to losing the role was an interesting contrast to the accolades that swiftly followed Pitt’s performance. As Davis recounted their in-flight conversation, she realised how much Clooney had wanted the part. His candidness revealed his disappointment at what became a pivotal moment in both their careers.
Thelma & Louise not only garnered critical acclaim and nominations at the Academy Awards but also marked a significant turning point for Pitt. The film was nominated for five Oscars, including Best Director for Ridley Scott and Best Original Screenplay for writer Callie Khouri. During the 2020 awards season, after winning an Academy Award for his role in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, Pitt acknowledged Davis in his acceptance speech, crediting her and Scott for giving him his first significant opportunity in the industry.
In a 2025 interview with The Sunday Times, Clooney revisited his feelings about the casting decision, acknowledging that it still stung, stating, “I got to the final test for a role in Thelma & Louise, and motherf—er, Brad got it.” He admitted that he struggled to watch the film for years, feeling a sense of loss about missing out on what could have been a career-defining role for him too, especially considering he had been primarily engaged in sitcoms at the time.
Despite the competitive undercurrents highlighted in these musings, both actors have enjoyed thriving careers. Pitt transformed into one of Hollywood’s leading stars, while Clooney later achieved immense success, not just as an actor but also as a director and producer. Their friendship remains strong, demonstrating how initial rivalry can evolve into mutual respect and support within the competitive landscape of Hollywood.
As the industry celebrates both actors’ contributions to cinema, the legacy of Thelma & Louise continues to be a topic of fascination, not only for its groundbreaking storytelling but also for the stories behind its casting. The film undoubtedly set the stage for significant careers, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of American cinema.