Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s eldest son, Maddox, is reportedly taking another step to distance himself from his famous father. The 24-year-old filed documents to drop Pitt from his Jolie-Pitt last name for “personal reasons,” changing his full moniker to Maddox Chivan Jolie, a news outlet reported on Thursday, May 28.
Maddox had already dropped Pitt from his professional name, as he was listed as “Maddox Jolie” in the credits of his mother’s film Couture, where he served as assistant director. Couture premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025 before hitting theaters in February.
The move marked a notable change from Maddox’s previous film credit for Angelina’s 2024 Netflix movie, Maria, where he was listed as Maddox Jolie-Pitt while working as a production assistant on the project. Apart from Maddox, the Mr. and Mrs. Smith costars share Pax, 22, Zahara, 21, Shiloh, 20, and 17-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.
The F1 star, 62, has had a rocky relationship with his children following his 2016 split from Jolie, 50, who accused him of abuse, which he denied. Their divorce played out in court for years and wasn’t finalized until December 2024.
Several of Brad Pitt’s children have dropped his last name. Maddox, who was adopted by Jolie in 2002, is not the first of the former couple’s children to publicly distance himself by dropping the Pitt surname. In May 2024, Vivienne was notably credited as Vivienne Jolie in the Playbill for The Outsiders, which she helped her mother produce.
Zahara followed suit as multiple outlets reported she introduced herself as “Zahara Marley Jolie” in August 2024 when introducing herself as a member at Alpha Kappa Mu. The name has carried on through her college years, as she was announced as “Zahara Marley Jolie” when she walked across the stage at graduation earlier this month.
Brad Pitt Was ‘Upset’ With the Name Change
In a seemingly pointed move, Shiloh legally filed to drop her last name on her 18th birthday in May 2024. The request was granted three months later. Sources at the time said the Troy actor was “upset” when he heard the news.
“The reminders that he’s lost his children, is of course not easy for Brad,” an insider told People at the time. “He loves his children and misses them.”
Key Details About the Name Changes
- Maddox changed his full name to Maddox Chivan Jolie, removing the Pitt surname.
- He was previously listed as Maddox Jolie-Pitt in the credits of Maria.
- His mother’s film Couture featured him as Maddox Jolie.
- Vivienne was credited as Vivienne Jolie in The Outsiders Playbill.
- Zahara introduced herself as Zahara Marley Jolie at a university event.
- Shiloh legally dropped her last name on her 18th birthday.
Impact on Family Dynamics
The decision by Maddox and other children to remove the Pitt surname highlights the ongoing tension between Brad Pitt and his family. The estrangement has been a long-standing issue since his divorce from Angelina Jolie, which took years to finalize.
While some of the children have chosen to distance themselves from their father’s name, it remains unclear how this will affect their relationships moving forward. The public nature of these changes also raises questions about how they are perceived by fans and the media.
Other Children of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
- Pax: 22 years old
- Zahara: 21 years old
- Shiloh: 20 years old
- Knox and Vivienne: 17-year-old twins
Each of these children has taken different steps to define their own identities, separate from the legacy of their parents. While some have maintained a connection with Brad Pitt, others have made clear efforts to create their own paths.
Public Reactions and Media Coverage
The recent name change by Maddox has sparked widespread interest in the media. Reports suggest that the decision was made for personal reasons, though no official statement has been released.
Fans and critics alike have commented on the significance of such changes, particularly given the high-profile nature of the family. Some see it as a sign of independence, while others view it as a reflection of the challenges faced by the children of celebrities.
Future Implications
As these children continue to build their own lives, the question of how they relate to their parents will remain a topic of interest. Whether or not they choose to maintain contact with Brad Pitt, the decisions they make now will likely shape their futures in significant ways.
For now, the focus remains on the individual journeys of each child, as they navigate their own identities beyond the shadow of their famous parents.
