Angelina Jolie Was Offered Less than Brad Pitt to Star in a Movie Together as a Couple – Details
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have captivated audiences on and off-screen for decades. Their strained relationship since their divorce has made headlines just as often as their cinematic achievements. Now, a Hollywood producer aims to reunite the former couple on screen in a film that promises artistic ambition and potential controversy.
Advertisement
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt may reunite on screen for a new film. However, significant hurdles could prevent the collaboration, including an alleged pay disparity and their ongoing personal estrangement.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the world premiere of “World War Z,” 2013 | Source: Getty Images
The two first collaborated in 2005 while filming “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and began dating sometime after. They exchanged vows in August 2014 in an intimate ceremony in Correns, France.
Before the two started dating, Angelina had already adopted Maddox and Zahara. Brad later officially adopted both children, and together, they raised a family of six — Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie with their children, Pax, Maddox, Shiloh, Vivienne, and Knox Jolie-Pitt on February 5, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Advertisement
However, the Hollywood duo’s union was short-lived. The actress filed for divorce after two years of marriage in September 2016. Their relationship’s unraveling continued long after their separation.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend a private reception on May 8, 2014, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Although Angelina and Brad filed for divorce years ago, the process remains incomplete despite being declared legally single in 2019.
A judge allowed them to return to legal single status before finalizing their divorce settlement. This process, known as bifurcation, enables them to pursue other relationships and remarry if they choose.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the EE British Academy Film Awards on February 16, 2014, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Brad shared his thoughts on the ordeal in an interview, “I heard one lawyer say, ‘No one wins in court — it’s just a matter of who gets hurt worse.'”
He explained that the process forces each side to spend significant time trying to justify their position, which only fuels bitterness. The actor chose not to participate in that negativity, and his former partner felt the same.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at the world premiere of “Maleficent” on May 28, 2014, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Yet the legal struggle between him and Angelina has dragged on for eight years, involving disputes over custody, finances, and a lawsuit over their former French winery, Château Miraval.
In an interview, a source connected to Brad said it’s “pretty shocking” that the divorce remains unresolved after all this time. Meanwhile, another insider remained optimistic, hoping the former couple could align on finalizing the divorce while the Miraval dispute continues.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the Oscars on March 2, 2014, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Their ongoing legal battle also involved custody arrangements. In 2018, a court set a plan for Brad to see his children, excluding Maddox, who was legally an adult.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the 15th Annual AFI Awards Luncheon on January 9, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Advertisement
Three years later, his visitation rights increased, but the ruling was overturned when Judge John Ouderkirk was removed for not disclosing a past business connection with Brad’s legal team. The court found this violated “ethical obligations.”
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at the after party for the opening night gala premiere of “By the Sea” on November 5, 2015, in Hollywood. | Source: Getty Images
A source close to Brad expressed disappointment, believing the situation was harmful to the children and caused delays for everyone involved.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at City Cinemas on November 3, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Advertisement
Brad reportedly had “virtually no contact” with his older kids. He still sees his younger twins, Vivienne and Knox, though his involvement has been limited recently due to filming commitments in Europe. A source revealed that Angelina “has the kids most of the time,” but Brad retains visitation rights.
(L-R) Maddox, Vivienne, Angelina, Zahara, Shiloh, and Knox Jolie-Pitt arrive for the world premiere of “Eternals,” 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Signs of distance between Brad and his children have become more apparent. Shortly after turning 18, Shiloh legally dropped “Pitt” from her surname, becoming Shiloh Jolie. The court granted the request without any complications or formal hearing.
Meanwhile, her sister Zahara also distanced herself, using the name Zahara Jolie at a sorority event. Similarly, Vivienne went by Vivienne Jolie in the Playbill for “The Outsiders,” where she worked as a production assistant.
Advertisement
(L-R) Shiloh, Zahara, Angelina, Vivienne, Maddox, and Knox Jolie-Pitt attend the UK Gala Screening of “Eternals,” on October 27, 2021, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The growing distance between Brad and the kids mirrors the unresolved tension between him and their mother. Although a resolution seems possible, it reportedly remains out of reach. In an interview, a source disclosed that “both sides are still talking, but “it’s not done yet.”
Angelina’s attorney, Paul Murphy, urged Brad to “end the fighting” by dropping the winery lawsuit. The conflict began when she sold her stake in the winery to Tenute del Mondo.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at the 15th Annual AFI Awards on January 9, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Brad sued her, claiming she secretly sold to a “stranger,” violating their agreement. In response, Angelina’s attorney said she wants to “finally put their family on a clear path toward healing” but will defend herself if Brad doesn’t withdraw the lawsuit.
Despite their ongoing conflict, a producer hopes to reunite Brad and Angelina on screen with a tempting offer. Danny Rossner claims to have secured $60 million, essentially offering a “blank check” to entice the former couple to prioritize their craft over their differences and star in a film together.
Angelina Jolie Pitt and Brad Pitt attend the WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards on November 4, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
However, the idea remains unlikely, considering their long-standing disputes over custody, finances, and winery.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie-Pitt speak onstage during the opening night gala premiere of “By the Sea” on November 5, 2015, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Advertisement
The exes’ strained relationship was evident during the 2024 Venice Film Festival, where organizers deliberately scheduled their movie premieres — “Wolfs” for Brad and “Maria” for Angelina — on separate days.
Angelina Jolie attends the red carpet of the movie “Maria” on August 29, 2024, in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
Ahead of the event, artistic director Alberto Barbera explained, “There is no way that they can cross each other at the Lido,” noting Angelina would attend on the 29th and leave immediately for Telluride, and Brad would arrive on the 31st.
Brad Pitt attends the “Wolfs” red carpet on September 1, 2024 in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
Advertisement
Set during World War II at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, France, the film draws inspiration from the hotel’s actual owner. Danny imagines Brad portraying Emmanuel Martinez, the hotel’s proprietor, with Angelina as Emma Digard, his enchanting mistress and muse.
The script demands intimate performances, with Danny admitting, “There is a love scene … It’s a torrid one, too. It’s not salacious but there are very heavy love scenes. [Martinez] had a wife and he had a mistress.”
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the Global Summit on June 13, 2014, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
A potential challenge also lies in pay disparities. The producer acknowledged, “Right now, I think, Brad Pitt’s in the $20 to $25 million range [per movie] and Angelina Jolie is in the $15 million range,” which could complicate negotiations if the project ever reaches that stage.
Advertisement
Danny divulged that he’s “prepared to offer” around “50-percent” above their typical rates. This would mean up to $37.5 million for Brad but only $22 million for Angelina.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at the world premiere of “Maleficent” on May 28, 2014, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images | Source: Getty Images
Whether Brad Pitt and Angelina can overcome their differences for Danny’s project remains uncertain, especially with lingering disputes and unequal compensation on the table.
Despite the allure of a significant payday and the potential for a cinematic reunion, the odds seem stacked against this fractured partnership.
