Ridley Scott clarifies how Brad Pitt was cast inThelma & Louise, sharing a different account than star Geena Davis. Released in 1991, the road-trip crime drama remains one ofScott’s most-loved films, with a story that follows the two titular best friends, played by Davis and Susan Sarandon, respectively, as they run from the authorities. Pitt memorably appears briefly inThelma & Louiseas J.D., an attractive drifter, a casting that Davis has taken some credit for in the past. Davis has revealed that she read with four male actors in total, and that she enthusiastically chose Pitt.
In a recent interview withGQ, Scott addresses Pitt’s casting inThelma & Louise, revealing that parts of Davis' account are accurate. When it came to the final decision regarding Pitt’s casting, however,the director reveals that he had already chosen him prior to Davis voicing her opinion. Check out Scott’s comments below:
I lost the Brad I cast about 10 days out. He took another film. “Oh, dear, what a terrible mistake.” And so I had to look fast. I got two guys, Brad and another guy. Equally kind of attractive. And I said to Geena, “Okay, I’ve got two guys. You’re going to read with both and after we’ll discuss it.” She went, “This guy, Brad Pitt,” and that’s it. She thinks she cast him. She didn’t. I already cast him.
What Pitt’s Casting Means For Thelma & Louise
How The Ridley Scott Movie Performed
Scott has made a number of iconic films over the course of his almost 50-year movie career, andThelma & Louiseis widely considered among his best. The film has a strong 86% score onRotten Tomatoesfrom critics and an 82% from audiences. It was also nominated for six Oscars, ultimately winning only one for Best Original Screenplay. Made on an estimated budget of $16.5 million,Thelma & Louisegrossed $45 million worldwide, making it a hit.
15 Best Ridley Scott Movies, Ranked
With Gladiator II as his most recent hit, it’s worth revisiting the best movies of legendary director Ridley Scott to see where it stacks up.
For Pitt,Thelma & Louisemarked his first breakthrough film role, with his portrayal of the charming but mischievous J.D. putting him on the map as an actor. Two years later, Pitt had a similarly memorable supporting role inTrue Romancebefore then playing the lead inSe7enin 1995. From there, he went on to appear inFight Clubin 1999 beforeOcean’s Elevencemented his movie star status in 2001.
After twoOcean’s sequels and a female-led reboot, George Clooney has teased thatOcean’s 14is a possibility.
Our Take On Pitt’s Thelma & Louise Casting
Other Iconic Scott Casting Decisions Explained
Scott (and his casting directors) have been responsible for some truly remarkable casting decisions over the years. Sigourney Weaver is still most widely known for her role inAlien(1979), andGladiator(2000) arguably remains Crowe’s most iconic role. Even though Harrison Ford is best known for Han Solo inStar Warsand Indiana Jones,Deckard inBlade Runner(1982) remains one of his most memorable characters. As a relatively minor character inThelma & Louise, J.D. isn’t that type of role for Pitt, but it still speaks to Scott’s eye for finding the right actor for the part.
Thelma & Louise
Cast
Thelma & Louise is a 1991 drama directed by Ridley Scott, featuring Geena Davis as Thelma and Susan Sarandon as Louise. The film follows the journey of two friends on a road trip that spirals into unexpected and intense circumstances, challenging their friendship and transforming their lives. Brad Pitt makes an early appearance in a supporting role, helping to cement the film’s enduring legacy.
