Key Takeaways:
– Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow’s romance sparked on the set of `Legends of the Fall`.
– Director Ed Zwick wasn’t surprised by their off-set romance due to their palpable on-set chemistry.
– Despite losing the role to Julia Ormond, Paltrow’s relationship with Pitt made headlines from 1994 to 1997.
Before Legends: Brad and Gwyneth’s Encounter
Before Brad Pitt became famously entangled with Angelina Jolie, he had a captivating romance with Gwyneth Paltrow. They first crossed paths on the set of Ed Zwick’s epic drama `Legends of the Fall`. Paltrow, then a young actress with enormous potential, was reading lines alongside Pitt, leaving a lasting impression with her genuine portrayal of the character Susannah. The pair struck gold with their magical chemistry, captivating the director himself.
The Casting Maze: Search for Susannah
Ed Zwick discussed the difficulty he and casting director Mary Colquhoun faced in casting the role of Susannah in a recent interview with Vanity Fair. With filming looming in just four weeks, they were yet to find the right actress who could depict a blend of liveliness and melancholy inherent to the character. But when Paltrow stepped in for a reading, she effortlessly portrayed the character’s depth, leaving a powerful impression on Zwick.
Pitt-Paltrow Spark: Beyond Screen
During one of the reading sessions, Pitt and Paltrow met. Zwick described this encounter as an undeniable chemistry that went beyond professional boundaries. Despite Paltrow’s remarkable performance, her age factor led to her missing the part of Susannah which was eventually landed by Julia Ormond.
When On-Set Spark Becomes Off-Screen Flame
With or without the role, Paltrow and Pitt’s real-life romance story unfolded. They started dating officially later in 1994. Even though Paltrow lost the role to Ormond, she managed to cement a personal bond with Pitt, fueled by their remarkable chemistry. The connection between Paltrow and Pitt that first appeared on set soon blossomed into a celebrated real-life affair.
A Whirlwind Tale: Pitt and Paltrow’s Relationship
The couple’s relationship was not dampened by the casting decision. Their romance quickly became a Hollywood sensation. In fact, Paltrow made the public appearance with Pitt at the premiere of `Legends of the Fall`. It was a whirlwind romance filled with red carpets and paparazzo that left fans agog. Despite splitting in 1997, the couple has managed to remain respectful and amicable.
It was during the aforementioned interview that director Zwick recalled being unsurprised by the sight of the couple at the premiere, drawing a parallel to their enchanting read-through. He told Vanity Fair how it seemed like an off-set manifestation of the on-screen chemistry they displayed. For three years, Pitt and Paltrow were a shining example of Hollywood’s high-profile couples, yet they managed to navigate their relationship with grace and dignity.
`Legends of the Fall`, not only an epic drama, but also the catalyst for one of Hollywood’s most memorable romances, is currently available to watch on Netflix. Despite the casting decision that may have initially disappointed fans, the real-life love story of Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow remains a charming chapter in Hollywood’s love chronicle.
