Does Apple have a hit on their hand in “Wolfs“? The studio apparently thinks so, as Deadline reports that Apple Original Films had made a deal with director Jon Watts to write, direct, and produce a sequel for his upcoming George Clooney–Brad Pitt movie. On top of that, Apple also wants “Wolfs” in theaters. The flick will get a limited theatrical run through Sony on September 20 before its exclusive streaming debut on Apple TV+ September 27. “Wolfs” has its world premiere out of competition at the Venice Film Festival later this summer.
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It’s not the first time Apple has supplied one of its movies with a theater run before it hits Apple TV+. However, “Killers Of The Flower Moon” and “Napoleon” received wide theatrical runs, likely due to who directed each of those, whereas “Wolfs” gets a smaller one. In that sense, Watts’ film is similar to Doug Liman‘s recent “The Instigators,” another Apple film currently in the middle of a small theatrical window. Liman’s heist film premieres on Apple TV+ this Friday. Also of note: another Apple-Pitt vehicle, Joseph Kosinski‘s “F1,” will get a wide release next year, as will Steve McQueen‘s WWII drama “Blitz” this November.
So what does all of this mean for “Wolfs”? For one, Apple wants the star-driven vehicles it produces to have more time in the limelight, but without too much risk involved. It’s clear that “Wolfs” tested well with audiences based on this shift, but maybe not enough for the studio to boost it similarly to “Flower Moon” or “Napoleon.” Then again, “Fly Me The Moon,” another recent Apple theatrical release, did poorly during its run, which also means the studio may be bullish on “Wolfs,” but bearish on how their films have done in theaters this year. Still, a small theatrical run (plus a sequel!) is a sign that Apple thinks the Clooney-Pitt duo will make waves this Fall on their streaming platform, and they want to stay in that business. But let’s see how “Wolfs” does with critics at Venice before any predictions.
“Wolfs” reunites Clooney and Pitt as two professional fixers hired to cover up the same high-profile crime. But these two lone wolves like to work alone, and working together causes their night to spiral out of control in ways both control freaks never expected. Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, and Poorna Jagannathan also star, with Richard King and Zlatkko Burić. Clooney and Pitt also produce the film through their Smokehouse Pictures and Plan B Entertainment banners. Other Smokehouse producers include Grant Heslov. Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner also produce through Plan B. Watts also produces “Wolfs,” his first original film after he directed the recent “Spider-Man” trilogy for Marvel Studios, with Dianne McGuningle. Michaell Beugg is also on board as executive producer.
Apple Original Films Head of Features Matt Dentler explained the studio’s new strategy for “Wolfs” in a press stamement. “”Wolfs” is the kind of big event movie that makes Apple TV+ such an exceptional home for the best in entertainment,” he explained. “With George and Brad’s remarkable and engaging chemistry under Jon Watts’ extraordinary direction, “Wolfs” blends all the great elements of comedy, action, and drama into a hugely entertaining movie that will leave audiences ready for what’s next. Releasing the movie to theaters before making it widely available to Apple TV+ customers brings the best of both worlds to audiences, and we’re excited to see fans embrace the movie as we start working with Jon on the sequel.”
Stay tuned for an official world premiere date for “Wolfs” at the Venice Film Festival. In the meantime, check out the trailer for Watts’ film below.