Brad Pitt Calls ‘Troy’ His Biggest Career Regret: The Movie He Wishes He Could Erase

Brad Pitt’s illustrious career, filled with critically acclaimed performances and iconic roles, has made him one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors. From his breakthrough in Thelma & Louise (1991) to his Academy Award-winning turn in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Pitt’s filmography is a testament to his versatility and dedication to his craft. However, like many actors, he has also had moments of reflection on projects that didn’t align with his artistic vision. One such project, which Pitt has publicly labeled a “mistake,” stands out among the rest: Troy (2004).

The Regretful Role: Troy (2004)

In Troy, directed by Wolfgang Petersen, Brad Pitt took on the role of Achilles, the legendary Greek warrior from Homer’s Iliad. The film, a historical epic featuring an ensemble cast that included Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, and Diane Kruger, was a commercial success, grossing over $490 million worldwide. However, the critical reception was mixed, with many critics pointing out the film’s departure from the source material and its overemphasis on spectacle rather than depth.

Despite the film’s financial success, Pitt has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with his experience making it. In a 2019 interview with The New York Times, he revealed his frustration with the project, stating, “It wasn’t painful, but I realized that the way that movie was being told was not how I wanted it to be. 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 comments suggest that he felt constrained by the film’s direction and his inability to align his portrayal of Achilles with his own artistic sensibilities.

A Forced Decision

Pitt’s regret over Troy seems to stem from a combination of creative dissatisfaction and external pressures. According to an article in Far Out Magazine published on June 24, 2022, Pitt described Troy as the “worst project of his career,” emphasizing that he was essentially forced into the role. The actor had originally dropped out of another project due to studio obligations, which led to him taking on Troy. This external pressure, coupled with his sense that the film’s storytelling did not match his artistic ideals, led to his regret.

Pitt’s frustration with Troy is further underscored by his comments about the film’s commercial focus. Unlike many of the roles that later defined his career, Troy lacked the mystery and depth that Pitt craved in a project. The actor has long been known for his collaborations with directors like David Fincher (Seven, Fight Club) and Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), with whom he was able to explore complex, layered characters. In contrast, Troy was a spectacle-driven epic, where the focus was on grand action scenes and historical drama, rather than the nuanced character study that Pitt typically sought.

The Artistic Vision Behind the Regret

Pitt’s decision to label Troy a mistake reveals much about his career trajectory and the type of projects he values. His subsequent choices, particularly in his work with Fincher and Tarantino, reflect a preference for roles that align with his artistic vision—roles that offer depth, complexity, and the opportunity to work with visionary directors. In the New York Times interview, Pitt emphasized his desire for a sense of mystery in his roles, a sentiment that Troy simply did not fulfill.

Moreover, his reflections on the film indicate a shift in his mindset post-Troy. Following the film, Pitt took more selective roles, focusing on projects that allowed him to push the boundaries of his craft and explore more challenging, multifaceted characters. His regret over Troy became a catalyst for this shift, solidifying his resolve to align his career with his personal artistic goals.

A Career of Learning from Mistakes

Brad Pitt’s acknowledgment of Troy as a “mistake” is a rare example of a Hollywood star openly discussing career missteps. While many actors might shy away from criticizing their own work, Pitt’s honesty highlights a broader theme in his career: the importance of learning from both successes and failures. While Troy remains a significant part of his filmography, it is clear that the experience left him with a deeper understanding of the types of projects he truly wants to pursue.

Though Troy may not have been the artistic triumph Pitt hoped for, it was a critical learning moment in his career. The film was a commercial success, and Pitt’s performance as Achilles remains one of his most memorable, but his regret over the project is a testament to his desire to push himself creatively. As Pitt continues to evolve as an actor and producer, Troy serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one’s artistic choices with their vision, even in the face of external pressures.

In the end, Troy might have been a “mistake” for Brad Pitt, but it also became a pivotal moment that helped shape the trajectory of his career, ultimately leading him to seek out projects that allowed him to explore more meaningful and complex roles.