How a $63 Million Lawsuit Forced Brad Pitt to Finish ‘The Devil’s Own’—And What Happened On Set

Brad Pitt is synonymous with effortless cool on screen, but behind the scenes, his journey through Hollywood hasn’t always been as smooth as it seems. While he’s famous for his on-screen charisma, Pitt’s career has been punctuated by a few fraught productions, some of which he tried—and failed—to walk away from. One of the most memorable of these stories involves the 1997 film The Devil’s Own, where Pitt’s struggle with the production reached a boiling point, leading him to make a decision that would become a defining moment in his career.

A Script Rewrite That Almost Made Brad Pitt Quit

In The Devil’s Own, Pitt plays an IRA member who seeks refuge in the United States, where he is taken in by a police officer played by Harrison Ford. Initially, the script was far darker and more cynical, depicting Pitt’s character as a completely irredeemable villain. Ford’s role as the weary cop was equally grim, with no noble aspects. However, as the project evolved, Hollywood did what it does best: it sanitized and softened the story to appeal to a broader audience, making both characters more sympathetic and heroic.

Pitt, however, wasn’t having it. After five years of waiting for the film to get off the ground and undergo multiple rewrites, the version of The Devil’s Own that Pitt saw in the final draft was a far cry from what he had signed on for. He was frustrated with how the story had been altered, particularly with the way Northern Ireland and its complex political situation were being trivialized. Pitt approached director Alan J. Pakula, saying, “This is not the film I wanted to make.”

Pitt’s major concern was that the new script reduced the conflict in Northern Ireland to a mere backdrop, rather than representing the political turmoil and cultural nuances with any real depth. He was especially upset that the film would depict Northern Ireland’s troubles through a lens that felt inauthentic—especially since they hadn’t cast a Northern Irish actor to play his role.

The $63 Million Lawsuit Threat

Pitt’s dissatisfaction with the project reached a breaking point when he threatened to quit. But rather than let him walk away, the studio hit back with a hefty threat of their own—a $63 million lawsuit. The numbers were enough to force Pitt’s hand, and despite his reluctance, he agreed to stay on. In interviews, Pitt claimed that his decision wasn’t about the money but rather the opportunity to work with an iconic director like Pakula and a legendary actor like Harrison Ford. The studio’s lawsuit threat, however, certainly had its role to play.

Director Alan J. Pakula, who had worked on films like All the President’s Men and Klute, later remembered that Pitt was “still frightened about the script” when the production began. According to Pakula, the studio made it clear that Pitt had no option but to see the project through. “The studio said, ‘You can’t get out,’” Pakula recalled.

Despite his reservations, Pitt decided to power through, giving his best performance on set. However, The Devil’s Own was far from the career high point Pitt had hoped for. Critics were underwhelmed by the film, and many took issue with how the script handled the sensitive subject matter of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Despite a star-studded cast and a solid director, the film earned only tepid reviews.

Pitt’s Turning Point: Plan B Entertainment

After The Devil’s Own, Pitt began to re-evaluate his role in Hollywood. While he had suffered through the difficulties of that production, he was still deeply passionate about film and storytelling. This experience, along with several other tumultuous productions in the ‘90s, led him to take a more proactive approach to the kinds of films he wanted to work on. In 2001, Pitt co-founded Plan B Entertainment, a production company that allowed him more control over his projects and the kinds of stories he wanted to tell.

What began as a personal venture to create meaningful and impactful films has since turned into one of the most successful actor-founded companies in Hollywood. Plan B has been responsible for producing critically acclaimed films that have gone on to win the coveted Academy Award for Best Picture: The Departed (2006), 12 Years a Slave (2013), and Moonlight (2016).

A Legacy of Creative Control

Looking back on the The Devil’s Own debacle, it’s clear that the film was a pivotal moment in Pitt’s career. It wasn’t just about a contractual obligation or a project gone wrong—it was the moment that shaped his future in Hollywood. By founding Plan B, Pitt took control of his career, ensuring that he would never again be in a position where his artistic vision was compromised by studio demands.

In hindsight, while The Devil’s Own may not have been the film he had hoped for, it was a necessary step in the evolution of Brad Pitt as a producer and creative force in Hollywood. It’s a testament to his resilience that, after such a rocky start in the industry, he has gone on to influence some of the most impactful films of the 21st century.

From the frustrations of The Devil’s Own to the successes of Plan B, Brad Pitt’s journey reflects the evolution of an actor who, despite facing the grind of Hollywood’s pressures, has carved out a legacy of his own making.