Brad Pitt has shared valuable advice for the next generation of actors, especially about the pressure of leading big film franchises.
The 61-year-old actor, currently promoting his new movie F1, appeared as a guest on the New Heights podcast with brothers Travis and Jason Kelce.
While discussing his career, he reflected on how acting has evolved over time and offered some wisdom to young stars in the industry.
Brad Pitt Talks About His Role and Generational Differences
On July 2, during his podcast appearance, Pitt joked about being late for the show, even mentioning his struggles with reaching 200 mph while filming his latest sports movie. Jason Kelce, 37, referred to Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, as “an old, grizzled veteran,” sparking a discussion about age and experience.
Jason shared how he and his younger brother, Travis, had seen many young athletes enter the NFL, noting the changes they observed during their 13 years of playing professional football.
Brad Pitt, known for his role in Fight Club, humorously admitted to preparing for his character with “a lot of old man jokes” and shared his thoughts on the new generation of actors. He expressed admiration for their approach to the industry and how they balance their passion with the changing dynamics of acting.
“I like watching what the new generations are coming in with. To see what they’re up against and also the way they negotiate their way through it. I feel like they enjoy it more,” Pitt shared.
He noted that previous generations, including his own, were more uptight about acting, often focusing on maintaining artistic integrity without compromising for commercial appeal.
Brad Pitt’s Critique on Franchises
While Pitt praised the younger generation for enjoying their craft more freely, he also had a warning: “They also get caught up in like, have to have a franchise or have to have a superhero or something like that, which I keep going, ‘Don’t. Don’t. They will die.’”
This caution against diving into franchises and superhero roles is something Pitt, with his decades-long career, knows well. His career has largely avoided these massive cinematic universes, except for his role in the Ocean’s Eleven trilogy, which spanned from 2001 to 2007. Pitt’s only other brush with the comic-book genre was a brief cameo in Deadpool 2 in 2018.
Brad Pitt’s Latest Movie: F1
Pitt’s latest film, F1, has made a major splash, earning an estimated $144 million internationally during its opening weekend. In the movie, Pitt plays a former Formula 1 driver who joins a struggling team and clashes with a cocky rookie, portrayed by Damson Idris.
Reflecting on his role, Pitt shared his amazement at the high-speed action in the sport, revealing that the experience of driving at 180 mph in a race car was shocking, especially the ability to brake quickly and make sharp turns.
Brad Pitt’s advice to younger actors—especially about avoiding the pressures of franchises—is an important reminder to find a balance between artistry and commercial success.
While younger actors today have more opportunities and freedom to explore different arenas of the entertainment industry, Pitt urges them not to get too caught up in the pursuit of big franchises, which, according to him, can eventually fade away.
As for his own career, he continues to challenge himself with diverse and exciting roles, such as his recent portrayal of a Formula 1 driver in F1, now showing in theaters.
