Brad Pitt Reveals the One Movie He Wishes to Erase From His Career—And Why It Haunts Him

Brad Pitt has long been regarded as one of Hollywood’s most accomplished and versatile actors, thanks to a career that has spanned decades and produced a slew of critically acclaimed performances. From Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to Ad Astra, Pitt has consistently shown his ability to tackle complex roles while maintaining his status as a global icon. However, despite his stellar career, there is one film that Pitt wishes he could erase from his history—Troy.

Released in 2004, Troy was a big-budget epic directed by Wolfgang Petersen, in which Pitt portrayed the legendary Greek warrior Achilles. The film, based on Homer’s The Iliad, was met with mixed reviews and was criticized for its focus on spectacle over substance. Pitt’s portrayal of Achilles, while widely recognized, did not resonate with him in the way he had hoped. In fact, Pitt has been open about his regrets regarding the film, and in a candid interview, he revealed that Troy stands out as the one movie he’d rather not have been a part of.

A Role Pitt Was Forced Into

Pitt’s journey into Troy was far from straightforward. The actor initially dropped out of another project, and due to contractual obligations, he was subsequently forced into taking the role of Achilles. In hindsight, Pitt reflected on how the project didn’t align with his artistic vision. “It wasn’t painful, but I realised that the way that movie was being told was not how I wanted it to be,” he admitted. “I made my own mistakes in it. What am I trying to say about Troy? I could not get out of the middle of the frame. It was driving me crazy.”

His frustration with the film was rooted in a lack of creative control. “Every shot was like, ‘Here’s the hero!’ There was no mystery,” he explained, noting that the film’s commercial focus detracted from the complexity he had hoped to portray in his character. Pitt went on to explain that he had become spoiled by his collaborations with director David Fincher, whose films like Fight Club had given him the freedom to explore more nuanced, unpredictable characters.

A Reflection of Pitt’s Career Evolution

Pitt’s disdain for Troy also marks a pivotal moment in his career. Having started in Hollywood as a heartthrob in films like Legends of the Fall and Thelma & Louise, he had worked tirelessly to shed that image and become a more serious and respected actor. Troy felt like a step backward for him—a return to the long-haired hero archetype he was eager to move past.

After his experience on Troy, Pitt made a conscious decision to only take roles that aligned with his personal interests and artistic sensibilities. He sought out projects that challenged him and offered more depth, such as The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, which garnered widespread critical acclaim. This shift in his career marked the beginning of a more purposeful, fulfilling trajectory for Pitt as an actor.

A Journey of Artistic Integrity

While Troy remains a blemish in Pitt’s career, it also serves as an important lesson for the actor. It pushed him to become more discerning in his choice of roles and helped him realize the importance of staying true to his artistic vision. Over the years, Pitt has cultivated a diverse body of work, ranging from deeply dramatic roles to quirky, offbeat performances that showcase his versatility. And although he may regret his involvement in Troy, it was part of the journey that led him to the impressive body of work he has today.

As Brad Pitt continues to reflect on his legacy, it’s clear that his willingness to learn from past mistakes and prioritize his artistic integrity has been a key factor in his continued success. While Troy may be the one film he wishes to delete from history, it’s also a reminder of how far he’s come in carving out a respected, diverse career in Hollywood.