Who doesn't love a good bromance? Especially when the parties involved are as famous as Brad Pitt and Edward Norton.
At first glance, the two A-Listers don't really appear to be friendship material. Edward tends to come across as a very serious actor who wholeheartedly throws himself into each role, while Brad Pitt is... well... Brad Pitt.
But the handsome stars actually became extremely close while filming David Fincher's masterful 1999 cult-classic, Fight Club. Their budding friendship is one of the many things that most fans don't know about the making of Fight Club.
There Was Constant Laughter On The Set
During an interview with Us, 20 years after the release of the film, Edward went into detail about the glorious relationship he and Brad had making it.
The conversation was sparked by set photographs that almost always depicted the two of them laughing hysterically. Apparently, this was something they did all day long. And not just with each other; their co-star, Helena Bonham Carter also had a wicked sense of humor and wouldn't be left out of the fun. Even the ever-serious David Fincher loved to get in on the action. And most of this seemed to stem from Brad's attitude.
Anyone who has ever wondered what it would be like to be friends with Brad Pitt should know that endless laughter is involved. The man doesn't take things too seriously. Hence, his notorious reputation for elaborate pranks.
Edward claimed the whole experience of making Fight Club was one of "laughter and creativity". This is even with reports from Indie Wire that Edward and director David Fincher had continuous disagreements about just how funny the film should be. But a bit of tension is natural on a film set. Some say it's even necessary, as a bit of tension breeds creative development.
Their Dedication And Trust Led Brad To Accept A Real Punch From Ed
During his interview on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Edward made it clear that he and Brad were exceptionally comfortable with one another on set. For example, the famous scene where Edward's character punches Brad in the ear was actually entirely real.
David knew how close Ed and Brad had become and encouraged Ed to make contact with Brad, instead of only pretending to. This means that Brad's hilarious reaction in the film was totally authentic. Furthermore, he didn't even seem to mind that his co-star actually hit him. This level of dedication definitely contributes to why Fight Club is considered one of Brad's best movies as well as one of Edward's.
The Time They Were "Those Guys" At The Venice Film Festival
When Fight Club premiered at the Venice Film Festival in October 1999, Brad and Ed thought it would be a good idea to let loose and celebrate all their hard work. According to his Once Upon A Time In Hollywood interview with Marc Maron, Brad claimed that he and Ed lit a J at the screening and were completely done mere minutes after.
Given that the screening had subtitles, many of the movie's jokes just didn't land on the Italian audience. The room was silent. Except for Brad and Ed. They were laughing. In fact, they were almost uncontrollable.
Yep, they were the two a**holes at the back of the movie theater causing trouble.
Except, they weren't at the back.
They were up on a balcony... with the festival director.
That same festival director, by-the-way, actually got up and left after Helena Bonham Carter's controversial "school girl" line was uttered. Aside from the festival director, most of the Venice audience didn't like the movie whatsoever. According to CinemaBlend, they missed Fight Club's satirical edge and found it to be offensive and straight-up anti-establishment. These are, no doubt, some of the reasons why so many fans still adore it. As do both Brad Pitt and Edward Norton who are open to a sequel. However, it appears as though they just want another chance to work together.
Not Even Angelina Could Get Between Their Bromance
What's really impressive about Brad and Ed's friendship is that it lasted for many years.
If they aren't trying to out-diva one another, actors tend to become close while filming a project. But this doesn't tend to last long. As soon as they move onto another gig, they drift apart. This wasn't true for Brad and Ed, however...
In fact, Brad's closeness with Ed is one of the reasons he constantly fought with his now-ex-wife, Angelina Jolie.
According to Radar Online, back in 2016, Brad was at his wit's end in his relationship. He was sick of Angelina constantly badgering him about his friendships, particularly the one with Edward Norton. Apparently, he and Ed spent many nights together going over projects and having a total blast. For whatever reason, this angered Angelina who believed they shouldn't associate with people like Ed.
This didn't sit well with Brad.
As everyone and their dog knows, Brad and Angelina are no more. But Brad's deep connection with Edward Norton is still strong to this day. And this authentic, longlasting bromance is something that they owe to their days filming Fight Club.