Brad Pitt Says Retirement Still a Long Way Off

Actor Brad Pitt poses on the red carpet before the screening of "Bullet Train" in Berlin, Germany, July 19, 2022. (Reuters)
Actor Brad Pitt poses on the red carpet before the screening of "Bullet Train" in Berlin, Germany, July 19, 2022. (Reuters)
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Brad Pitt Says Retirement Still a Long Way Off

Actor Brad Pitt poses on the red carpet before the screening of "Bullet Train" in Berlin, Germany, July 19, 2022. (Reuters)
Actor Brad Pitt poses on the red carpet before the screening of "Bullet Train" in Berlin, Germany, July 19, 2022. (Reuters)

Brad Pitt scotched talk of imminent retirement as he traveled to Paris for the premiere of his Jackie Chan-inspired action caper "Bullet Train".

The 58-year-old had worried fans that his acting days may be numbered after a GQ interview last month in which he said he was in the "last semester" of his career.

But Pitt told AFP: "I'm not getting out by any means.

"It seems that might have been taken as a statement of retirement. That's not what I was saying," he said.

"I'm over that hump of middle age and so I'm looking at that last leg... how do I want to spend that time? At my age, you've made enough mistakes... now there's a comfort in applying that kind of wisdom."

"Bullet Train", which is being released around the world over the next two weeks, sees Pitt trying something new in an action comedy from the director of "John Wick", David Leitch.

Pitt plays a reluctant hit-man fighting off rivals on a Japanese train.

"It's much more fun than the regular punch-up. It's infused with humor and character," he said.

"I can't say enough about Jackie Chan and what he's done, and to be in that arena, even close to that, is something I hadn't done before."

Pitt will next be seen in "Babylon" about Hollywood's golden age, directed by Damien Chazelle ("La La Land").

That will partner him again with Margot Robbie -- the pair starred in Quentin Tarantino's "Once upon a Time in Hollywood", which won Pitt an Oscar in 2020.

But Pitt said he takes particular enjoyment from production duties with his company Plan B.

The company has three best picture Oscar winners to its name -- "The Departed", "Twelve Years a Slave" and "Moonlight" -- and will soon release the hotly tipped "Blonde" about Marilyn Monroe.

"I really like what we've been able to do on the producing end. You get to be part of stories, foster new talent," he said.

Unlike other major movie stars such as Tom Cruise, Pitt is not as wedded to the nostalgia of movie theaters.

"I like the dichotomy, the streamer as well as the theater experience, because films were getting so expensive to do and to market that it was either big tent-pole movies or very small intimate movies and there was no room for anythings in-between. Streamers have opened it up for more voices," he said.

Nonetheless, Pitt said he had recently loved going to watch "Elvis" in a cinema.

"I'm a big fan of Austin Butler, I think he's going to do great work," said Pitt of the film's star.

"It was so much fun to be there again. There's a place for both."



Joy Awards in Riyadh Celebrate 2024's Top Entertainment Achievements

The fifth edition of the Joy Awards took place at ANB Arena in Riyadh on Saturday, honoring top Arab and international stars. (SPA)
The fifth edition of the Joy Awards took place at ANB Arena in Riyadh on Saturday, honoring top Arab and international stars. (SPA)
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Joy Awards in Riyadh Celebrate 2024's Top Entertainment Achievements

The fifth edition of the Joy Awards took place at ANB Arena in Riyadh on Saturday, honoring top Arab and international stars. (SPA)
The fifth edition of the Joy Awards took place at ANB Arena in Riyadh on Saturday, honoring top Arab and international stars. (SPA)

The fifth edition of the Joy Awards took place at ANB Arena in Riyadh on Saturday, honoring top Arab and international stars. Hosted by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) under the chairmanship of Turki Al Al Sheikh, the event brought together prominent figures, celebrities, and guests from around the globe.

The ceremony kicked off with artistic performances, followed by the awards presentation. Notable winners included Syrian actor Samer Ismail, who received the award for Favorite Actor in the TV Series category, and Saudi actress Al Anoud Abdulhakim, honored as Favorite New Face in the Series category. The Favorite Egyptian Series award went to “Ne’mat El-Afokado", while the Favorite Gulf Series award was presented to “Shabab Al-Bomb 12”, accepted by Faisal Al-Issa.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Syrian artist Yaser Al-Azmeh, American actor Morgan Freeman, Italian musician Andrea Bocelli, Saudi filmmaker Abdullah Al-Muheisen, Kuwaiti singer Abdullah Al Ruwaished, and international composer Hans Zimmer.

The Favorite Actress in the Series category award went to Huda Hussein, while Hana Al-Zahed won Favorite Actress in Cinema. Egyptian actor Hesham Maged was named Favorite Actor in Cinema.

Sports awards recognized Salem Al-Dawsari as Favorite Athlete and Saudi mixed martial artist Hattan Al-Saif as Favorite Female Athlete.

A highlight of the evening was the Diamond Entertainment Industry Award, presented to the late Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsen in honor of his poetic contributions. His son Prince Khaled bin Badr accepted the award on his behalf.

For the first time, the Most Popular Song award was shared by Egyptian singers Angham and Tamer Ashour. Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad was recognized for his outstanding contributions to fashion.

Other notable awards included Favorite Song for Majid Al-Mohandis and Favorite Influencer awards for Ahmad Al-Qahtani and Narin Beauty. Emerging Musical Talent was awarded to Saudi artist Rakan Al Sa’ed, while Matthew McConaughey was honored as the Personality of the Year.

The Joy Awards also celebrated industry veterans such as Mariam Al-Saleh, Ibrahim Al-Sallal, and several Gulf icons, recognizing their pioneering roles in entertainment.