There’s no denying that Brad Pitt has become one of the biggest names in Hollywood, known for his blockbuster roles and critically acclaimed performances. However, his journey to super-stardom wasn’t without its challenges, and one of the roles that almost slipped through his fingers was the character of J.D. in Ridley Scott’s iconic road movie, Thelma & Louise.
In Thelma & Louise, Brad Pitt plays J.D., a charming and charismatic conman who crosses paths with the two titular leads, Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon). Despite having less than ten minutes of screen time, Pitt’s captivating performance immediately stood out, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. However, it may come as a surprise that he wasn’t the director’s first choice for the role.
Originally, the role of J.D. was given to William Baldwin, who was director Ridley Scott’s preferred actor. Pitt, who was a fan of Scott and hopeful about the part, had to wait as shooting on the movie was delayed. When Baldwin eventually dropped out, Scott had to find a new actor to fill the cowboy Casanova shoes. Pitt’s chance seemed to come, but another actor was cast in the role. It wasn’t until that second actor also left the project that Pitt was finally given the opportunity to test with Geena Davis.
During the auditions, Davis was immediately taken with Pitt’s charisma and good looks. She became so enamored with him that she found herself flubbing her lines, fearing she might ruin his audition. Her enthusiasm for Pitt’s performance led her to advocate strongly for him, referring to him as “The Blonde One” and insisting he was the obvious choice for the role. The casting team agreed, and Brad Pitt was ultimately cast as J.D., a role that catapulted him to stardom.
Years later, Geena Davis recounted an amusing encounter with George Clooney, who confessed that he was disappointed he didn’t get the role of J.D. Davis innocently asked if he wanted the part, to which Clooney humorously replied that he did. Despite Clooney’s wish, it’s evident that Pitt’s audition was so impressive that it made everyone, including Clooney, forget about any competition for the role.
Thelma & Louise remains a beloved classic, and Brad Pitt’s portrayal of J.D. is a memorable highlight of the film. His southern charm and alluring swagger brought the character to life in a way that resonated with audiences and marked the beginning of Pitt’s rise to Hollywood stardom. Although George Clooney may have had his eye on the role, there’s no doubt that Brad Pitt was the perfect choice to play the unforgettable conman in Thelma & Louise.
