Jon Watts, director of Wolfs, has opened up about a canceled sequel to the Brad Pitt and George Clooney action comedy, revealing that he returned the funds provided by Apple TV+ for the project because he “no longer trusted” the streaming platform.
Wolfs, which Watts both wrote and directed, starred Pitt and Clooney as rival professional fixers forced to collaborate despite their preference for working alone. The film marked the duo’s first on-screen reunion since 2008.
Initially slated for a wide theatrical release, Wolfs was instead shifted by Apple TV+ to a limited theater run followed by a streaming debut on September 27, 2024.
The decision, announced in August, made Wolfs the most-watched film in Apple TV+ history upon release.
Despite this success, the filmmakers expressed disappointment over the abrupt change in distribution strategy, which disrupted their plans for a broader cinematic rollout.
Watts Speaks Out on the Sequel and Streaming Pivot
In a recent interview, Watts detailed his frustrations with Apple’s decision-making process:
I showed Apple my final cut of Wolfs early this year. They were extremely enthusiastic about it and immediately commissioned me to start writing a sequel.
But their last-minute shift from a promised wide theatrical release to a streaming release was a total surprise and made without any explanation or discussion. I wasn’t even told about it until less than a week before they announced it to the world.”
Watts further criticized Apple for misrepresenting his involvement with the sequel in their press materials.
I was completely shocked and asked them to please not include the news that I was writing a sequel.
They ignored my request and announced it in their press release anyway, seemingly to create a positive spin to their streaming pivot. And so I quietly returned the money they gave me for the sequel.
The director added that he refrained from publicly addressing the situation at the time to avoid tarnishing the reputation of the original film:
I didn’t want to talk about it because I was proud of the film and didn’t want to generate any unnecessary negative press. I loved working with Brad and George (and Amy and Austin and Poorna and Zlatko) and would happily do it again.
But the truth is that Apple didn’t cancel the Wolfs sequel, I did, because I no longer trusted them as a creative partner.
Clooney Responds to Reports on Salaries
In a separate controversy surrounding the film, George Clooney publicly addressed claims about his and Pitt’s earnings for Wolfs.
It was reported that both actors were paid over $35 million for their roles. Clooney disputed the figures, emphasizing the impact such misinformation could have on the film industry:
Whatever her source was for our salary, it is millions and millions and millions of dollars less than what was reported.
And I am only saying that because I think it’s bad for our industry if that’s what people think is the standard bearer for salaries. I think that’s terrible, it’ll make it impossible to make films.
Background and Legacy of Wolfs
Despite the turmoil surrounding its release and sequel, Wolfs achieved notable success on Apple TV+.
The film’s engaging storyline and the dynamic pairing of Pitt and Clooney were widely praised, but the shift away from a wide theatrical release has left lingering disappointment for the creative team.
