A Shift in Identity
Maddox Jolie, the 24-year-old son of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has made a significant move in distancing himself from his father’s surname. In the credits for his mother’s latest film, Couture, which premiered in France on February 18, 2026, Maddox is credited as “Maddox Jolie,” dropping “Pitt” from his last name. This marks a departure from his previous film credit in 2024, when he was listed as “Maddox Jolie-Pitt.”
Maddox’s decision to remove “Pitt” from his name is the latest in a series of similar choices made by his siblings, signaling a broader shift in the family’s dynamics.
Family Trends: A Shift Toward Jolie
Maddox is not alone in distancing himself from the Pitt surname. His sister Vivienne, 15, was credited as “Vivienne Jolie” in the Playbill for the The Outsiders musical in May 2024. Zahara, 19, also introduced herself as “Zahara Marley Jolie” in August 2024, dropping the Pitt name entirely. Furthermore, Shiloh, the couple’s eldest biological child, legally changed her name to “Shiloh Jolie” after turning 18 in California.
These name changes reflect a broader trend within the Jolie-Pitt family, with several children choosing to identify more strongly with their mother’s side.
A Backdrop of Tension
The decision to drop “Pitt” comes after years of reported tension between the children and Brad Pitt following his highly publicized and acrimonious divorce from Angelina Jolie in 2016. The couple’s divorce was finalized in late 2024 after a prolonged and emotional legal battle, which had a significant impact on their family dynamics.
While the name changes may be symbolic, they suggest that the children, now young adults, are asserting their independence and shaping their identities on their terms.
Brad Pitt’s Emotional Reaction
A source close to the family confirmed that Brad Pitt is aware of Shiloh’s decision to drop his last name, and that it has been emotionally difficult for him. He reportedly misses his children and feels the weight of the reminders of his strained relationship with them. For Brad, this public distancing may serve as a painful reminder of the challenges he has faced in his relationship with his children following the divorce.
