Brad Pitt Reveals What He Cherishes Most About His Role in ‘Bullet Train’—and It’s Not What You Think!

Brad Pitt’s journey with Bullet Train is as dynamic as the film itself. Released on August 5, 2022, the movie, adapted from Kōtarō Isaka’s novel Maria Beetle, features a star-studded ensemble cast and delivers a high-energy, escapist experience aimed at bringing audiences back to theaters post-pandemic. While there are many aspects of the film Pitt could cherish, it is his collaboration with director David Leitch that stands out as the most meaningful part of his Bullet Train experience.

A Long-Standing Partnership with David Leitch

One of the primary highlights for Pitt in working on Bullet Train is his reunion with David Leitch, a director with whom he shares a deep personal and professional history. Their relationship dates back to 1999 when Leitch served as Pitt’s stunt double in Fight Club, and it continued through several projects, including Troy and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. In an interview with British GQ, Pitt reflected on this longstanding partnership, saying, “I’ve been working with David since Fight Club, and he was my stunt double on that. We’ve been friends ever since. He’s just a great guy, and he’s become a great director.” This enduring friendship and creative partnership played a significant role in shaping the experience of making Bullet Train.

Pitt further elaborated on their reunion in a Cinemablend video interview, emphasizing how working with Leitch once again was a true highlight of the project. His admiration for Leitch’s expertise in action filmmaking underscores how much this collaboration meant to him. Leitch’s direction was integral to the success of the film, and Pitt’s trust in his longtime friend allowed them to create something unique together.

Creating an Entertaining and Escapist Experience

Pitt’s aim for Bullet Train was clear: he wanted to make a movie that was entertaining, fresh, and original—one that would bring people back to theaters. In the same GQ interview, he shared, “I wanted to make something that was entertaining, that was escapist, that was fresh and original, and that would hopefully bring people back to the theaters.” This goal aligns with the film’s reception as a fun summer blockbuster, offering an action-packed escape for audiences at a time when the world was still recovering from the pandemic. For Pitt, the success of Bullet Train was a collective achievement, a reflection of his desire to provide people with an enjoyable, memorable cinematic experience.

The Role of Ladybug: A New Acting Challenge

Another cherished aspect of Pitt’s involvement in Bullet Train was playing the character of Ladybug, an unlucky assassin with a Zen outlook on life. In the GQ interview, Pitt described Ladybug as “likable, flawed, a little eccentric,” and he enjoyed exploring this complex character. Pitt’s portrayal, which was noted for its “easy charm and self-effacing humor,” drew comparisons to his role as Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood. Playing Ladybug allowed Pitt to stretch his acting range, adding a layer of humor and depth that made the character relatable and endearing. His performance was praised for being “very funny and very charming,” suggesting that the creative freedom in developing Ladybug was one of the highlights of his experience on the film.

Innovative Filming Techniques Amidst the Pandemic

Filming Bullet Train during the COVID-19 pandemic presented its own set of challenges, but it also spurred innovative techniques that Pitt deeply appreciated. In an interview with Collider, Pitt discussed the use of LED video walls on a Sony Culver City soundstage, which helped simulate the train environment. With walls “20 feet tall and a football field long,” the LED setup created a highly immersive and realistic experience, so much so that some crew members even experienced motion sickness. Pitt admired the technical innovation and the way it helped transport the cast and crew into the world of Bullet Train, even during such challenging times.

Beyond the technical aspects, the positive atmosphere on set was another aspect Pitt cherished. Brian Tyree Henry, a costar in the film, recalled in the GQ interview how Pitt’s “infectious laugh” and laid-back demeanor brought ease and camaraderie to the production, even amid the pandemic’s constraints. This sense of light-heartedness and positivity contributed to Pitt’s overall enjoyment of the project.

Conclusion: A Creative Journey with David Leitch

While Bullet Train offered many rewarding experiences for Brad Pitt—from playing the quirky and lovable Ladybug to appreciating the film’s immersive techniques—his collaboration with David Leitch stands as the most cherished aspect of the project. Their long history, trust, and shared creative vision helped shape the film’s direction and made their reunion on set particularly meaningful. For Pitt, Bullet Train represents not just a fun and entertaining film but also the continuation of a personal and professional partnership that has flourished over the years, allowing them to craft a memorable cinematic experience for audiences worldwide.