Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s eldest son, Maddox, has made a significant personal choice by removing “Pitt” from his surname. At 24 years old, Maddox who grew up in the spotlight as part of one of Hollywood’s most famous families is now credited professionally as Maddox Jolie, rather than Maddox Jolie-Pitt.
This shift first became public when Couture, the latest movie starring Angelina Jolie, debuted in France in February 2026. Maddox worked behind the scenes as an assistant director on the project, and the film’s credits listed him simply as Maddox Jolie, marking his first known public use of the updated name.
Career Milestone in Couture
Couture — a drama starring Angelina Jolie — premiered in French theaters on 18 February 2026. Maddox’s role in the production was notable: he worked on the film’s crew in a meaningful capacity, moving beyond occasional behind-the-scenes contributions to a full assistant director position. It was in that context that his name appeared as “Maddox Jolie” in both festival production notes and official credits. Prior to this, in 2024, Maddox was credited as “Maddox Jolie-Pitt” on Angelina’s biographical film Maria, where he worked as a production assistant. That clear difference in name usage between projects highlights the shift in how he wants to be publicly identified.
A Pattern Among the Jolie-Pitt Children
Maddox is not the only child of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt to move away from the “Pitt” surname. Over the past few years, several of his siblings have also distanced themselves from their father’s name in public or professional contexts. In 2024, his sister Shiloh legally dropped “Pitt” from her name shortly after turning 18, choosing to go by Shiloh Nouvel Jolie instead. Around the same time, Zahara appeared to omit “Pitt” when introducing herself at her college sorority event, identifying publicly as Zahara Marley Jolie. Their younger sister Vivienne also used only “Jolie” in credits for a Broadway production in which she was involved. These choices reflect a broader shift within the Jolie-Pitt family, with multiple children electing to emphasize their mother’s name professionally and socially. Maddox’s decision continues that pattern.
Family Background and Divorce
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s relationship began in the early 2000s and was famously dubbed “Brangelina” by fans and media. They married in 2014 after several years together and raised six children — Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne. However, the couple’s relationship deteriorated publicly in 2016, when they announced their separation. The ensuing divorce process dragged on for years, finally finalizing in 2024. The legal battle included disputes and allegations — and, while various claims were investigated, they did not result in criminal charges. The emotional toll of the split appears to have influenced how some of the children publicly identify themselves. For Maddox and his siblings, choosing to use “Jolie” may reflect personal preferences, deeper family dynamics, or a desire to establish their own identities separate from both parents’ global celebrity.
Implications and Public Reaction
Public reaction to Maddox’s name change has been varied. Some see it as a natural step toward autonomy and self-identification, while others view it through the lens of his parents’ past disputes. Regardless of opinion, the choice marks a clear moment of personal agency for Maddox as he continues building his career in film and the arts. As Maddox and his siblings enter adulthood, their decisions about their names and public identities will likely continue to attract attention — not just from fans of their famous parents, but from wider audiences interested in how the children of high-profile figures define themselves.
