Adolescence viewers confused after spotting Brad Pitt in series’ credits

Netflix viewers are obsessed with Adolescence, a brand-new crime-drama series starring Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty, which has Brad Pitt’s name listed in its credits.

Landing on the streaming platform on March 13, Adolescence chronicles the harrowing story of a 13-year-old named Jamie Miller (played by Owen Cooper), accused of stabbing a female classmate.

Over four episodes, those close to Jamie grapple with the fact the teenager had became racialised by incel ideology online.

Jamie’s cautionary tale is inspired by real events, with Graham telling Netflix’s Tudum: "There was an incident where a young boy [allegedly] stabbed a girl. It shocked me. I was thinking, ‘What’s going on? What’s happening in society where a boy stabs a girl to death?’

“’What's the inciting incident here?’ And then it happened again, and it happened again, and it happened again. I really just wanted to shine a light on it and ask, ‘Why is this happening today? What’s going on? How have we come to this?’"

Each instalment was shot in one take by director Philip Barantini, with takes of entire episodes having to be scrapped if the actors made a mistake, according to Netflix.

As well as having Barantini, This Is England legend Graham and So Solid Crew’s Ashley Walters attached, Adolescence lists Babylon star Brad Pitt as an executive producer.

Fans who have already streamed the ‘disturbing’ programme have taken to social media to express their surprise at seeing Pitt’s name in the credits.

The four-episodes project is streaming now (Netflix)

“Executive Produce Brad Pitt. The actual Brad Pitt? Brilliant script, fantastic acting, such a tense drama. Well done to all involved,” wrote one viewer.

A second commented: “Produced by Brad Pitt on Adolescence caught me off guard.”

“The acting in Adolescence is great but I acc jumped out of my skin when I saw it was produced by Brad Pitt,” replied another.

A fourth said: “Why is #Adolescence so good? Firstly the topic. How scary it is for young men to be brainwashed & manipulated by things they see on the internet. It's mental that the 4 episodes had multiple producers including Stephen Graham & Brad Pitt! It was all cleverly shot in one take too!”

Barantini has previously opened up about working with Pitt and his production company, Plan B Entertainment.

Speaking in a new interview with the Radio Times, the BAFTA-nominated director said: "Brad was on the phone with us, and he was so enthusiastic."

Brad Pitt's production company has worked on Adolescence (Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

As well as working on Adolescence, Plan B Entertainment is behind the success of Wolfgang Petersen’s Troy, which Pitt starred in, as well as Mickey 17, Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice sequel and Martin Scorsese’s Oscar Best Picture winner, The Departed.

Pitt, who serves as Chairman and CEO of the company, founded the Californian-based business with the late Brad Grey, Kristin Hahn, and Jennifer Aniston.

You can stream all four episodes of Adolescence on Netflix now.