Over a glittering career, Brad Pitt has been part of some major blockbusters that have showcased his good looks and star power. The Seven star has also proved that he has the acting chops to match his sizzling personality by being part of many critically acclaimed films which ultimately led to the coveted Oscar win for his performance in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Pitt though has also famously rejected many marquee projects. Some of them have gone on to become massive hits while others have gained cult status over the years. The Ocean’s Eleven actor also gave a major franchise a miss that ended up making another actor a superstar. One particular award-winning film that is considered one of the most powerful pieces of work today was rejected by Brad Pitt.
Brad Pitt Said No To The Shawshank Redemption
Considered one of the best films of all time, The Shawshank Redemption starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins and directed by Frank Darabont is still a go-to film to revisit for audiences and critics across the world. It was a huge surprise and a shock then that Brad Pitt who was offered the role of prisoner Tommy in the film, rejected it. The role ultimately went to actor Gil Bellows. Pitt who was considering a few other projects at the same time, decided to sign up for Interview With the Vampire over The Shawshank Redemption.
The actor though remained steadfast in his choice and stated that he did not have any regrets about refusing the role. Director Darabont publicly roasted Pitt in a lighthearted way for rejecting the film and his offer. The filmmaker said,
“But it would be really fun to bump into Brad Pitt and say, ‘Weren’t you that guy?’ I’d love to give him a little (grief) about that just for fun.”
Interestingly, Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks were also approached to play Tim Robbins’ character in The Shawshank Redemption. The Mission Impossible actor reportedly did not want to work with Frank Darabont because of his lack of experience and demanded that filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner oversee the project as a condition. Darabont who wanted complete autonomy for the film, refused Cruise’s demand. Tom Hanks, on the other hand, turned down the role of Robbins’ Dufresne to do Forrest Gump instead. This ended up being the right decision for Hanks who went on to win an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role that year in a career-defining role.
Brad Pitt Also Rejected The Matrix
Among the many huge films that Brad Pitt has let go of, The Matrix is possibly among the biggest misses of his career. The cult sci-fi thriller that went on to make Keanu Reeves an undisputed superstar, was first offered to Pitt. The actor confirmed this but also clarified that he was in contention only for the first film and not the rest of the sequels.
“I did pass on The Matrix. I took the red pill. That’s the only one I’m naming…I wasn’t offered two or three. Only the first one, just to clarify that.”
Speaking of the reasons for stepping down from the prestigious project, Pitt said that he wasn’t convinced that the role of Neo was intrinsically meant for him. In addition, the Mr. and Mrs. Smith actor confessed that the script of the film wasn’t entirely comprehensible to his sensibilities.
Source: USA Today
