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Brad Pitt was finally allowed to re-enter the country while Angelina Jolie promoted Maleficent.
Brad Pitt has enjoyed a stellar career. However, certain roles have come with controversy attached. That was the case for the actor during the filming of The Devil’s Own. Pitt walked off the set when he realized the script had been changed.
Outside of film, Pitt is always making the tabloids for his personal life. Whether it be new flings, or past relationships with the likes of Angelina Jolie. However, this headline in particular was new for Pitt, as he got banned by an entire country for a film that was released in the ’90s.
Keanu Reeves faced similar circumstances, showing support for Tibet during a concert. Pitt got in trouble for a particular film, and the ban would last up until 2014, when he finally returned to China. Let’s take a look at the details and what went on behind the scenes.
Brad Pitt Had A Memorable Experience Filming Seven Years In Tibet Back in 1997
Seven Years in Tibet was able to make its budget back, and then some, generating $131 million at the box office. Playing the role of Heinrich Harrer, Pitt was praised for his involvement in the film. Platforms such as IMDb rated the film with a 7.1 stars out of 10.
For Brad, the experience was special given that he was in a different culture for several months. He discussed his experience alongside Interview Magazine.
“Sure. All movies are. For an audience it’s two hours, but for me it’s a half year of living. And this one particularly. Being in a different culture for so long, you couldn’t help but walk out of there with something.”
“I didn’t know anything about Tibet, really, and the first images in my head were of Shangri-la, and that’s not it at all. You just get these notions of an oasis in the middle of this violent world, but it’s the people who make it a Shangri-la, not the land.”
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Although the film was a critical and box office success for Pitt, he faced some serious backlash against China, and it would cause a lengthy ban.
Brad Pitt Got Banned By China Following The Film’s Release In 1997, And Would Only Return In 2014 Because Of Angelina Jolie
That’s right, Brad Pitt got banned by China, for offending the country during his involvement in the film. Anything related to Tibet was a very touchy subject for China, and many actors would learn all about that.
The ban would almost last two decades. Finally, in 2014 Pitt would re-enter China, in large part thanks to the premiere of Angelina Jolie’s film at the time, Maleficent.
Pitt kept a low-profile during the trip, while Jolie praised the experience for both herself and the family. “It’s been a wonderful experience for our family,” she said.
In truth, Pitt is far from the only actor to get banned from China. Other top A-listers underwent a similar fate.
Brad Pitt Is Not The Only Actor To Get Banned By China
There is a list of actors who also get banned from China. Richard Gere was added to the list in 1993 after supporting Tibet during his Academy Awards speech. Sharon Stone was also added to the list, calling an earthquake to China, “bad karma.” Obviously, that did not sit well for those in the country.
Keanu Reeves is typically not associated with anything remotely controversial, however taking part in a concert for Tibet changed China’s perception. Suddenly, the actor saw some his top films removed from streaming services overseas in the country.
“Among the films affected were some of Reeves’ biggest hits like “Speed,” “The Matrix” trilogy, and “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” the LA Times revealed.
It remains to be seen if others will be added to the list down the road.
