Wolfs Sequel Gains Momentum After Apple’s Release Shakeup

Jon Watts’ highly anticipated movie for Apple TV+, titled “Wolfs,” starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney, is not only set to be released soon but is also getting a sequel. Originally expected to have a full theatrical run, “Wolfs” is now following a different path, similar to that of another recent Apple release, “The Instigators.”

According to Deadline, “Wolfs” will now have a limited one-week theatrical release before making its debut on Apple TV+. The film will first premiere at the Venice Film Festival, then hit theaters on September 20, and finally become available on Apple TV+ starting September 27.

In another surprising turn of events, “Wolfs” is also set to receive a sequel. Apple Original Films has struck a deal with Jon Watts, who is on board to write, direct, and produce the follow-up film, presumably with Pitt and Clooney reprising their roles.

While Apple has confirmed these release changes, sources indicate that this does not represent a permanent shift in its hybrid strategy. Apple plans to continue a model of streaming service releases preceded by theatrical runs, as previously seen with movies like “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Napoleon.”

Another forthcoming Apple movie starring Brad Pitt, the racing film “F1,” will retain its wide theatrical release plan. This film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for “Top Gun: Maverick,” and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

Similarly, Doug Liman’s “The Instigators,” starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, has adopted this new release strategy. The movie premiered in theaters on August 2 and will be available on Apple TV+ starting August 9. This may reveal Apple’s emerging model for future releases.

“Wolfs” brings Pitt and Clooney back together in an action-comedy where they play two fixers who must collaborate after discovering they were hired for the same job. Alongside the star-studded duo, the ensemble cast includes Austin Abrams, Amy Ryan, Poorna Jagannathan, and Richard Kind.

Both Pitt and Clooney’s production companies are involved in the project. Plan B Entertainment and Smokehouse Pictures are producing the film, with Apple Studios also on board as a producer.

Jon Watts has both written and directed “Wolfs.” He is best known for his work within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, specifically for directing the Tom Holland-led Spider-Man trilogy. Early in his career, Watts gained attention with films like “Clown” and “Cop Car.”

Fans of Brad Pitt and George Clooney know that “Wolfs” is not their first collaboration. The actors previously shared the screen in the “Ocean’s” trilogy, playing the characters Danny Ocean and Rusty Ryan.

More recently, both actors made cameo appearances in John Krasinski’s film “IF.” Clooney voiced Spaceman, an astronaut that serves as an imaginary friend (IF), while Pitt played Keith, another IF character with no dialogue.

Both Pitt and Clooney have impressive accolades, with each having won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Clooney achieved this for his role in “Syriana” in 2005, while Pitt secured his award in 2020 for “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”

As producers, both actors have also celebrated victories with Best Picture awards. Clooney produced “Argo,” which won Best Picture in 2012, and Pitt produced “12 Years a Slave,” which garnered the award a couple of years later.

“Wolfs” will be available in theaters on September 20 and on Apple TV+ on September 27.

Source: Deadline