Rose Byrne Reveals the Sweet Side of Brad Pitt on the Troy Set
Rose Byrne looks back on Wolfgang Petersen’s Troy and her rare dramatic turn opposite Brad Pitt, calling her costar a sweetheart as she recalls their time on the Homer epic.
Rose Byrne took a quick stroll down memory lane and, yes, she had nice things to say about Brad Pitt. In a new W Magazine chat, the Platonic star looked back at Wolfgang Petersen's Troy and her very not-comedy stretch as Briseis opposite Pitt's Achilles.
Byrne on that massive swords-and-sandals moment
Byrne played Briseis, a Trojan princess and priestess of Apollo who ends up captured by the Greeks and tangled up with Achilles. She admitted the whole blockbuster experience felt huge and intimidating at the time, and she was anxious about even watching the finished movie. She also noted, for the record, that despite being widely known for comedy now, she did not start there. Troy was serious business.
"Brad was such a sweetheart."
The movie itself was stacked with names, which probably did not lessen the nerves. Quick roll call:
- Orlando Bloom as Paris
- Diane Kruger as Helen
- Brian Cox as Agamemnon
- Eric Bana as Hector
- Peter O'Toole as Priam
- Sean Bean as Odysseus
About that 'Linda' mention
If you saw the W Magazine quotes floating around and wondered who Linda is: in the same interview, Byrne talked about another role entirely and called that character a daunting, thrilling creative challenge and a great opportunity. Different project, same point — she likes a heavy lift. When the conversation shifted back to Troy, she kept it simple: early in her career, big epic, very serious tone.
Where Byrne is now
Byrne has been bouncing between comedy and drama for years, and she is still busy. She recently headlined the critically acclaimed If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, which is getting Oscar buzz. Next up: The Good Daughter, an upcoming series at Peacock.