Brad Pitt has long been a symbol of Hollywood’s most enduring action heroes. From his iconic roles in films like Troy (2004) and World War Z (2013) to his more dramatic turns in movies like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) and 12 Monkeys (1995), he has consistently played characters that embody toughness, heroism, and, at times, vulnerability. Yet, in his latest film, Bullet Train (2022), Pitt offers an unexpected twist on his usual action-hero persona, presenting a character that is as comical and clumsy as he is capable of handling high-stakes chaos.
Directed by David Leitch, known for his work on John Wick and Deadpool 2, Bullet Train is an action-packed, darkly comedic thriller. The plot follows five assassins who find themselves on the same high-speed train traveling through Japan, each with their own mission. As the characters’ stories unravel, the film morphs into a high-octane rollercoaster of twists, turns, and witty banter, but Pitt’s portrayal of Ladybug — a down-on-his-luck hitman with an existential crisis — is the heart of it all.
Brad Pitt’s Humble Perspective on His Role
Brad Pitt has never been one to shy away from self-reflection, and in numerous interviews, he’s made it clear that his character in Bullet Train is far from the invincible action hero many have come to expect. Ladybug, Pitt’s character, is a hitman who isn’t particularly confident in his abilities. In fact, he describes himself as “the buffoon” of the story — someone who’s not only out of his depth but also clumsy in ways that defy the usual “cool” action star persona.
Unlike his previous roles in which he often exudes charm, strength, or stoic leadership, Ladybug is awkward and self-deprecating. He is a character caught in an internal struggle, constantly questioning his purpose and ability to be a successful assassin. At the heart of this portrayal is a deep level of humility, as Pitt embraces a character who’s not afraid to show vulnerability. This self-awareness is key to the film’s overall tone, allowing the audience to laugh along with Pitt’s character rather than viewing him as a traditional hero.
In interviews, Pitt revealed that he had always been interested in playing characters that were far from perfect. For him, Ladybug was an opportunity to embrace his comedic side, something he had rarely done in his career up until this point. The role is almost a catharsis, a break from the intense, dramatic roles that have become his bread and butter. “It was liberating to not have to be the tough guy,” he shared. “Ladybug’s whole thing is that he just doesn’t get it. He’s trying to do the right thing, but it’s always backfiring.”
The Appeal of Pitt’s Character
What makes Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Ladybug so appealing is not just his comedic timing but also the vulnerability he brings to the character. Unlike typical action heroes who are defined by their physical strength or military precision, Ladybug is more concerned with his own internal turmoil than with vanquishing the villains around him. The comedic aspect of the character is grounded in Pitt’s nuanced performance, which plays against the expectations built around his previous action roles.
Ladybug’s motivations are driven by a desire for redemption and a yearning to do the right thing, but his methods are constantly thwarted by his own ineptitude. He’s a character who is continuously fumbling through his missions, making mistakes and second-guessing himself. This humanizing flaw creates an engaging contrast to the cold, calculating assassins who populate the train.
In many ways, Ladybug represents the anti-hero that audiences don’t often get to see in action films. He’s not driven by a thirst for violence or revenge but rather by the hope that he can find some semblance of peace in his chaotic life. His back-and-forth with the other assassins — including his constant run-ins with fellow hitmen like Tangerine and Lemon, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Brian Tyree Henry, respectively — reveals a side of Pitt’s acting range that feels fresh and authentic.
Pitt’s Ladybug is not just a source of comic relief, though. There’s an emotional undercurrent to the character that adds depth to the film’s frenetic pace. His desire to escape his violent past and seek redemption for past misdeeds resonates with audiences on a more profound level. His interactions with the other characters, particularly his moments of introspection, give the film an emotional gravitas that might otherwise be missing in an action-comedy of this nature.
Balancing Action and Humor: A Rare Skill
One of the standout features of Bullet Train is its seamless blend of action and humor. Action-comedies are notoriously difficult to pull off, as the tone must be carefully balanced to ensure that neither the thrills nor the jokes undermine one another. Brad Pitt’s performance in this film is crucial in striking that balance. His timing is impeccable, both in the high-stakes fight scenes and in the moments of comedy that punctuate the chaos.
Pitt’s physicality in the film is key to his success in this role. While the action sequences are fast-paced and intense, with plenty of explosions and martial arts moves, it’s Pitt’s clumsiness that provides the film’s comic relief. Whether he’s attempting to fight off attackers, stumbling over his own feet, or trying to navigate the train’s cramped hallways, his every move is a source of humor. Yet, Pitt’s ability to maintain a sense of seriousness amid the chaos makes his character all the more endearing.
The film’s choreography plays a big part in this. Ladybug is a hitman who clearly knows how to fight — when he’s not too distracted by his own insecurities or bad luck. The action scenes often end up being absurdly funny because of the way Pitt’s character reacts to them. There’s a certain slapstick quality to his combat style, one that relies less on brute force and more on quick thinking and improvisation.
His interaction with other characters, especially his comedic banter with Taylor-Johnson’s Tangerine and Henry’s Lemon, further elevates the humor in the film. The interplay between these characters creates a fun dynamic that contrasts with the more intense action scenes. Each character has their own quirks, and Pitt’s ability to play off their eccentricities allows for a comedic rhythm that balances the chaotic action around them.
A Departure from the Typical Action Hero
Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Ladybug in Bullet Train represents a departure from the usual action hero tropes that have defined much of his career. Whereas his past roles have often featured him as the strong, stoic figure who emerges victorious, Ladybug is a reflection of the idea that even the most hardened action heroes can be unsure, vulnerable, and downright clumsy. This self-awareness is key to Pitt’s performance and the film’s overall appeal.
By choosing to play a character who is not driven by heroism or machismo, Pitt is able to subvert audience expectations and challenge the traditional notions of what an action star can be. Ladybug’s character is an existential commentary on the nature of heroism itself, as he grapples with his own sense of failure and inadequacy. His quest for redemption, while comical, is also deeply human, making him one of the most relatable characters in recent action-comedy cinema.
Conclusion: Brad Pitt’s Versatility as an Actor
Brad Pitt’s role in Bullet Train offers a masterclass in versatility. In a film that blends action, humor, and character-driven storytelling, Pitt showcases his ability to switch effortlessly between genres. As Ladybug, he moves between slapstick comedy and dramatic vulnerability, balancing his clumsy antics with genuine emotional depth. In doing so, he proves that he is much more than just an action star.
While Bullet Train certainly provides plenty of thrills, it’s Pitt’s performance that elevates the film, turning what could have been a standard action flick into something more thoughtful and entertaining. His willingness to take on a role that both pokes fun at and plays with his established action-hero persona demonstrates his range and willingness to push boundaries as an actor. The film ultimately reinforces what many have long known: Brad Pitt is a master of his craft, capable of offering audiences a nuanced and entertaining performance in any genre
