Brad Pitt made headlines in 2022 when he told GQ magazine that his film career is likely winding down as he enters the “last legs” of his time as an actor. The revelation prompted headlines that Pitt was eyeing retirement, although that’s far from what he actually meant. In a new GQ cover story with George Clooney, Pitt said that he feels the same about his career slowing down two years later. But that doesn’t mean he’s giving up the profession.

“I’m still on a similar path. I feel the same,” Pitt said. “I’m really just trying to cherish the people I love and enjoy life.”

Clarifying his “last legs” comment, Pitt explained: “I meant that as seasons. You know, there was moving out from the safety of the Ozarks. You embark on this thing and it’s all about discovery and it’s really exciting and interesting and painful and awful and all of it. And then when you’re allowed into the big leagues, it becomes another game of responsibilities and things to answer to. But also opportunity and delight and working with people you really respect. And then it’s this time now. It’s: What are these last years going to be?”

“I see my parents are very — I see what George was saying. In your 80s, the body gets weaker,” Pitt continued. “But then I look at Frank Gehry. He’s such a kind man. And he’s 95 and still making amazing art, and he has a wonderful family. I think that's the formula for staying creative and loving life.”

Clooney pointed out that a long career is about adapting to change, saying: “There are two ways to do this, right? The phone stops ringing if you insist on being the same character you were at 35, and you want things to be easy. But if you're willing to step back a little bit and do interesting character roles, then you can keep working.”

Pitt remains a highly sought-after star in Hollywood. Besides the upcoming “Wolfs” with Clooney, the Academy Award winner is slated for the Apple-produced Formula 1 racing drama “F1”, scheduled for a wide release in 2025. When he initially mentioned his “last legs”, his “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “Inglourious Basterds” director Quentin Tarantino expressed concern, saying that when Pitt does decide to retire, the film industry will lose “one of the last remaining big-screen movie stars.”

“He's just a different kind of man,” Tarantino said of Pitt at the time. “And honestly, I don’t think you can fully articulate what that is because it’s like trying to describe stardust. I noticed it when we were working on ‘Inglourious Basterds.’ When Brad was in the frame, I didn’t feel like I was looking through a camera lens. I felt like I was watching a film. Just his presence within the frame gave that feeling.”

“Wolfs” is available for streaming on Apple TV+ starting Sept. 27. The film will have a limited theatrical release for one week, beginning Sept. 20. You can find the full story featuring the actors on GQ’s website .