Brad Pitt Ready To Bounce Back From Angelina Jolie Split With Netflix Movie

Brad Pitt has publicly announced that life has been very difficult since his split from Angelina Jolie, but starring in a Netflix Originals movie may be exactly what the A-list celebrity needs to jump-start the next phase of his life and career. War Machine will be available to stream on Netflix on May 26, and it will also have a limited theater run in Los Angeles and New York.

War Machine is Based on a True Story

Early critic reviews are beginning to trickle in for War Machine, and the consensus seems to be that Pitt has delivered another noteworthy performance. Expectations for the film are also high based on the trailer.

Netflix was able to attract a lot of star power, and yet somehow they completed the project for only an estimated $60 million. Aside from Brad Pitt, well-known actors such as Tilda Swinton and Topher Grace help round out the cast of this dramedy about the war in Afghanistan.

War Machine was inspired by the writings of deceased journalist Michael Hastings and based on the real-life war adventures, and misadventures, of General Stanley McChrystal. Brad Pitt portrays a fictionalized version of General McChrystal, named General McMahon, which has given Netflix their most bankable star power to date.

Netflix Originals started off at a slow pace with monster hits such as Orange is the New Black, and that success has been parlayed into a truly impressive and continuously growing list of original programming. It remains to be seen whether Brad Pitt can attract the large audience that Netflix is undoubtedly banking on, but the movie’s recent press tour has definitely helped advertise the upcoming release.

Brad Pitt Mentions Suicide During Press Junket

Much has been written about the seemingly sudden divorce between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. It’s become common knowledge that Pitt had developed a drinking problem, and he has spoken candidly in several interviews about how heartbreaking the divorce has been.

A few days ago, Brad Pitt addressed rumors about his relationship woes and current mental state.

“I’m not suicidal or something. There’s still much beauty in the world and a lot of love. And a lot of love to be given. It’s all right. It’s just life. Kids are everything. Kids are your life. They’re taking all the focus, as they should anyway.”

Interestingly, Brad Pitt’s friend, Chris Cornell, committed suicide not long after the actor publicly reaffirmed his love for life. Pitt is also reportedly struggling with the loss of his friend Brad Grey, who was an accomplished television producer.

What’s Next for Brad Pitt?

The 53-year-old prolific actor has built an extensive resume since 1987, but War Machine is his only finished project at the moment. Brad Pitt is attached to two movies in pre-development, Ad Astra and World War Z 2, but it’s unknown if or when these projects will actually move forward.

On the personal front, rumors about Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston potentially rekindling their romance died down quickly. The reality appears to be that Pitt and Aniston did what many former couples do after a big life event; reached out to someone from the past to receive some comfort.

It makes sense that Pitt doesn’t have a slate full of movies at the moment considering that he’s been dealing with alcoholism and a divorce. However, if his first starring role in a Netflix film goes as well as anticipated, he may soon start using his clout again to get projects of interest moved forward.

Netflix doesn’t release viewership numbers, so it may be difficult to determine how successful War Machine actually is. On the bright side, the streaming service has attracted many awards for its shows and actors. Brad Pitt might pick up another acting award as a result, and he could also help Netflix attract other A-list celebrities for future shows and movies.

[Featured Image by Jason Kempin/Getty Images]