Maddox Jolie Follows Siblings in Dropping Pitt Surname for Film Credits
In a move that echoes his siblings' actions, Maddox Jolie, the 24-year-old son of Hollywood stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, has reportedly dropped his father's surname in the credits for his latest film project. The young adult was credited simply as 'Maddox Jolie' for his role as an assistant director on his mother's new movie, Couture, which premiered in France on February 18, 2026.
Details of the Film and Maddox's Involvement
Couture, written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Alice Winocour, stars Angelina Jolie as an American director diagnosed with breast cancer upon arriving in France for Paris Fashion Week. The film also features notable actors such as Louis Garrell, Ella Rumpf, and Garance Marillier. Maddox's contribution to the project marks a significant step in his career behind the scenes, with People Magazine confirming his name listed as Maddox Jolie in the final credits. This contrasts with his previous credit in the 2024 drama Maria, where he and his brother Pax were credited with the 'Jolie-Pitt' surname while working as set production assistants.
Family Trends and Personal Connections
Angelina Jolie has a deeply personal connection to Couture, having undergone a double mastectomy in 2013 after discovering an 87% risk of breast cancer due to a defective BRCA1 gene. Her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, died of cancer at age 56 in 2007, with other family members also affected by the disease. This project adds to the family's artistic collaborations, as Maddox is not alone in adjusting his name. His sister Vivienne was listed as 'Vivienne Jolie' in the Playbill for Broadway's The Outsiders in May 2024, while Zahara introduced herself as Zahara Markey Jolie at a Spelman College sorority event in November 2023.
Shiloh's Legal Name Change and Brad Pitt's Reaction
Shiloh, now 19, took a more formal step by legally changing her name to Shiloh Jolie on her 18th birthday, with paperwork filed in August 2024. A source revealed to People that Brad Pitt was 'aware and upset' about the change, expressing sadness over the perceived loss of connection with his children. Shiloh, born Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt in 2006, later appeared at a fashion event listed as 'Shi Joli' in May 2025, indicating a continued evolution in her public identity.
Broader Context and Family Dynamics
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, who married in 2014 and separated in 2016, share six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne. The surname adjustments among the children highlight ongoing family dynamics post-separation, with multiple siblings opting to use 'Jolie' exclusively in professional and personal contexts. As the family navigates these changes, representatives for both Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have been contacted for comment, though no official statements have been released at this time.
