They had met on the set of Pushing Tin (1999), but did not pursue a relationship at that time as Thornton was engaged to actress Laura Dern, while Jolie was reportedly dating actor Timothy Hutton, her co-star in Playing God (1997).
Ei s-au întâlnit la filmările pentru Pushing Tin (1999), dar nu au început o relație la acel moment întrucât Thornton era logodit cu actrița Laura Dern, iar Jolie era într-o relație cu actorul Timothy Hutton, co-starul din Playing God (1997).