Brad Pitt’s Son Maddox Drops ‘Pitt’ From His Name in Film Credits, Following Siblings’ Lead

The Name Change

Maddox Jolie-Pitt, the 24-year-old son of actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, has been credited professionally as ‘Maddox Jolie’ in his mother’s latest film, ‘Couture’. Working as an assistant director on the production, which premiered in French theaters in February 2026, Maddox’s decision to omit his father’s surname from his professional credits marks a significant public gesture. While it remains unclear if this name alteration is a legal change or solely a professional one, reports indicate that Brad Pitt, 62, was reportedly upset by his children dropping his last name.

A Family Trend

Maddox’s adoption of the ‘Jolie’ surname exclusively in his film credit follows a pattern established by his younger siblings, highlighting a growing public detachment from their father’s name. In 2024, his sister Shiloh, upon reaching adulthood at 18, legally filed to change her name to Shiloh Jolie. This move paralleled her sister Zahara, who publicly introduced herself as ‘Zahara Marley Jolie’ during her sorority induction at Spelman College in November 2023. The trend extended to their youngest sister, Vivienne, who was credited simply as ‘Vivienne Jolie’ in the playbill for the musical ‘The Outsiders’ in 2024. Each instance publicly reinforces the family’s shift away from the “Pitt” surname, painting a clear picture of the children’s collective stance.

The Context

These name changes are unfolding against the backdrop of protracted and often contentious legal disputes between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The couple, once Hollywood’s most prominent duo, initiated divorce proceedings in 2016. Their divorce was officially finalized in December 2024, marking the end of a lengthy legal battle that has significantly impacted their family. The public actions of their children to remove the Pitt surname from their identities underscore the deep-seated tensions that have characterized the post-divorce relationship between the two stars. The ongoing friction has permeated the family dynamic, leading to these notable public statements from their offspring.

Pitt’s Personal Life

Amidst the familial strife and the public distancing by his children, Brad Pitt, 62, has continued to navigate his personal life. He has reportedly been in a relationship with Ines de Ramon, 33, since late 2022. Recent reports from outlets like Yahoo suggest Pitt appears “unbothered” as he and de Ramon were seen “stylish in Greece after son Maddox drops ‘Pitt’ from his name”. Speculation has also mounted regarding the couple’s future, with some reports suggesting Pitt and de Ramon could potentially elope in Europe, where Pitt is currently involved in a film project. Despite the unfolding drama surrounding his children’s decisions, Pitt’s public appearances with de Ramon indicate a continued focus on his current romantic relationship.

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FAQ

Q1: What prompted Maddox Jolie-Pitt to drop ‘Pitt’ from his name?
A1: Maddox’s decision to be credited as ‘Maddox Jolie’ in his mother’s film ‘Couture’ is part of a broader trend among his siblings to publicly use only the ‘Jolie’ surname, occurring amidst long-standing legal disputes between his parents, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Q2: Have any other Pitt-Jolie children also dropped ‘Pitt’ from their names?
A2: Yes, Maddox’s sisters Shiloh, Zahara, and Vivienne have all publicly or legally adopted only the ‘Jolie’ surname. Shiloh legally filed to change her name to Shiloh Jolie in 2024, Zahara introduced herself as ‘Zahara Marley Jolie’ in November 2023, and Vivienne was credited as ‘Vivienne Jolie’ in a playbill in 2024.

Q3: How has Brad Pitt reacted to his children dropping his last name?
A3: A source stated that Brad Pitt was reportedly upset by his children dropping his last name. However, recent reports also show him appearing “unbothered” while with his girlfriend Ines de Ramon in Greece.

What are your thoughts on public figures’ children choosing to change their surnames amidst family disputes?

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Related Topics: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, celebrity news