For Jennifer Aniston, friendship is everything. Her bond with Reese Witherspoon, which began in 2000 when Witherspoon guest-starred on Friends, has blossomed into a full-fledged creative partnership.
The pair have called each other “sisters from another mister,” and since 2018 they’ve co-produced and starred in the Apple TV+ hit The Morning Show.
A New Addition to the Circle
This season, they welcomed French actress Marion Cotillard into their circle as a media executive.
Cotillard, 49, was front and center on the red carpet for the premiere of the show’s fourth season, with Aniston, 56, embracing her warmly for photographers.
The camaraderie between the three actresses has been palpable, both on camera and behind the scenes.
Cotillard described Aniston as “a beautiful soul” and “inspiring,” while Aniston called Cotillard “a walking beam of sunshine and love and beauty and talent.”
Casting Choices: Talent or Something More?
While the admiration among the women seems genuine, some industry insiders wonder if Cotillard’s casting holds an extra layer of meaning.
As co-producers, Aniston and Witherspoon had the power to approve her for the role.
Cotillard is undoubtedly talented and elegant, but she also has a unique Hollywood history that some speculate played a part.
A Blast from the Past
Cotillard previously starred opposite Brad Pitt in Allied in 2016, a time when Pitt was married to Angelina Jolie.
Hollywood chatter suggests that Pitt was captivated by Cotillard, sparking tension with Jolie — described as “poisonous” jealousy at the time.
Aniston, of course, was Pitt’s first wife, and while she has publicly forgiven him for his affair with Jolie during Mr & Mrs Smith, this casting raises eyebrows for some.
Hollywood History and Personal Vindication
Some insiders believe that Aniston’s warm welcome of Cotillard could be a subtle way of reclaiming the narrative from past heartbreak.
Reports from the set of Mr & Mrs Smith suggest Jolie’s efforts to woo Pitt included unusual gestures and flirtations, which contributed to their eventual split.
Against this backdrop, Aniston’s friendship with Cotillard may reflect both admiration and a quiet sense of poetic justice.
A Friendship Beyond Romance
Despite the drama of the past, Aniston and Pitt have maintained a respectful and even warm friendship.
Their bond has been highlighted at awards shows, birthday parties, and public appearances, showing that forgiveness and understanding have helped them navigate a complicated shared history.
Pitt, now with jewellery designer Ines de Ramon, and Aniston, dating meditation coach Jim Curtis, have both moved on romantically while maintaining this unique connection.
Looking Ahead
Through all the twists of Hollywood love, heartbreak, and friendship, Aniston has built a network of support with women like Witherspoon and Cotillard.
Their professional collaborations and genuine admiration underline a powerful message: sisterhood and mutual respect can thrive in the spotlight, even amidst old wounds and complicated histories.