For over three decades, Brad Pitt has cemented himself as a leading movie star in Hollywood. Throughout his career, he has showcased his versatility by taking on a range of roles in both blockbusters and independent films. Along with his acting talent, he is also known for his good looks, charm, and philanthropic efforts, making him a beloved figure in Hollywood and beyond.
Despite his rise to the top in the early ’90s, one particular film almost shattered the actor’s resolve to continue – to the point where he considered abandoning the project entirely. However, upon learning of a looming $40 million fine, Pitt had to carefully weigh his options before making a decision.
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Why Brad Pitt Wanted To Leave A Film So Badly
The 1994 film Interview with the Vampire played a crucial role in propelling Brad Pitt‘s career to greater heights. Despite the film’s success, the actor faced challenges behind the scenes. While Pitt relished filming in New Orleans, the shift to London proved to be a gloomy experience for him.
“But then we got to London, and London was dark. London was dead of winter. We’re shooting in Pinewood, which is an old institution — all the James Bond films. There’s no windows in there. It hasn’t been refabbed in decades. You leave for work in the dark — you go into this cauldron, this mausoleum — and then you come out and it’s dark.”
Pitt recalled that the circumstances took a toll on his emotional well-being and even inquired about the cost of quitting the project. Upon learning that it would amount to a staggering $40 million, he realized that persevering through the difficulties was his only viable option.
“I’m telling you, one day it broke me. It was like, ‘Life’s too short for this quality of life.’ I called David Geffen, who was a good friend. He was a producer, and he’d just come to visit. I said, ‘David, I can’t do this anymore. I can’t do it. What will it cost me to get out?’ And he goes, very calmly, ‘Forty million dollars.’ And I go, ‘OK, thank you.’ It actually took the anxiety off of me. I was like, ‘I’ve got to man up and ride this through, and that’s what I’m going to do.'”
Brad Pitt Also Had A Tough Time Matching Tom Cruise’s Energy
The film’s location wasn’t the only reason Brad Pitt was having a tough time. When reflecting on his time with co-star Tom Cruise, Pitt candidly acknowledged that the two possess vastly different personalities. While there was no animosity between them, Pitt revealed that a sense of competition was palpable between himself and Cruise, which was unsurprising given their shared goal of becoming the reigning figures of Hollywood.
“I always thought there was this underlying competition that got in the way of any real conversation,” Pitt said. “It wasn’t nasty by any means, not at all. But it was just there and it bugged me a bit. But I’ll tell you, he catches a lot of shit because he’s on top, but he’s a good actor and he advances in the film. He did it. I mean, you have to respect that.”
Despite nearly three decades passing since their last collaboration, Pitt and Cruise never worked together again. Nonetheless, they did come close to reuniting for a specific project. According to Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski, Brad Pitt, and Tom Cruise were in the running to replace Matt Damon and Christian Bale in Ford V Ferrari. The duo even participated in a table read; however, the film went over budget, and their reunion couldn’t materialize.
Interview With the Vampire is available for streaming on HBO Max.
Source: The Things
