Alia Shawkat Is ‘One of the Most Interesting Women’ Brad Pitt Has Met ‘in a Long While’

Moving on? Brad Pitt is smitten with Alia Shawkat ever since the two have been spending some time with one another. “Brad’s telling friends she’s one of the most interesting women he’s met in L.A. in a very long while,” a source told In Touch exclusively. “He’s really into Alia, but he’s taking this slowly.”

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The 55-year-old Fight Club alum was involved in a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife Angelina Jolie, 44 — they called it quits in September 2016 after 11 years together — and now it seems like he is ready for something serious. “He’s been slowly dipping his toe in the dating pool, and he’s finally found someone he connects with,” the source explained. “He really likes spending time with Alia. He’s excited to fall in love again.”

The handsome hunk — who shares Maddox, 18, Pax, 15, Zahara, 14, Shiloh, 13, and twins Vivienne and Knox, both 11, with Angie — and the Search Party alum, 30, were first linked when they left a play together in September. A month later, they both attended Mike Birbiglia’s comedy show, where they were spotted backstage. Recently, the duo checked out an art exhibit at Wilding Cran Gallery in L.A. and then went to dinner at Majordomo afterward on November 16. “They were laughing, and he kept touching her shoulder,” an eyewitness dished about their two-hour rendezvous. “They definitely seemed like boyfriend and girlfriend, and they left together.”

In September, Brad was supposedly seeing holistic healer Sat Hari Khalsa, 50, but it seems like it fizzled out. Even though Alia has been in the spotlight for many years, the Ad Astra star wants to protect his potential new flame. “Brad comes with a lot of baggage! He’s worried about the attention she’ll get,” the insider added. “Not a lot of women can handle that scrutiny, but if anyone can, it’s Alia.”

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Meanwhile, Angelina “has been on a few dates” following her divorce, a source told Us Weekly, “but nothing serious” has come of them. “She isn’t closed to the idea of meeting someone new, but it’s not her main priority,” the insider continued. “She’s all about focusing on the kids, her job and cleaning up her messy divorce.”

Ultimately, the actor’s pals seem to be on board with his new relationship. “Brad’s friends are excited for this romance to develop,” the insider said. “He certainly deserves it!” He most definitely does!

For more on this story, pick up the latest issue of In Touch Weekly, on newsstands now!