Running across the bustling streets of Manhattan cloaked in nothing but his underwear and socks could be considered extreme by any standard. But for actor Austin Abrams, the chance to be chased around by none other than Brad Pitt and George Clooney turned this absurd scenario into the easiest career decision he’s ever made. “It was crazy,” Abrams exclaimed from his Los Angeles home, with a 2001: A Space Odyssey poster poised thoughtfully on the wall behind him. “I still find it hard to believe I was part of this experience. Working with Brad and George is something that felt surreal because they are just as remarkable as one would expect them to be. Their warmth and amiability made the set feel like home, and acting alongside either of them would have been monumental, let alone both.”
Director Jon Watts joined forces with Abrams, Pitt, Clooney, and Amy Ryan to create a cinematic marvel that took center stage at the Venice International Film Festival. The film ‘Wolfs,’ directed by Watts, who is renowned for the Spider-Man trilogy under the Marvel Cinematic Universe banner, marked Abrams’ inaugural venture into a big-budget flick. The 28-year-old actor, who garnered recognition for his roles in coming-of-age stories and romantic dramas, now added another feather to his cap with his portrayal of ‘The Kid’—a pivotal character in the Apple TV+ project.
Wolfs ascended swiftly to become the most-watched movie in Apple TV+ history, mere days following its digital debut. Abrams shone brightly among his legendary co-stars, delivering a memorable performance that included a hilariously frantic monologue. In perhaps one of the film’s most unforgettable sequences, The Kid—his character—unwinds a bizarre tale of waking up, presumed dead, alongside a district attorney following a one-night stand, amidst a precarious scenario involving a bag of drugs.
Describing the essence of his character, Abrams explained, “The character is known as ‘The Kid’ throughout the movie, and I wanted that youthful aspect to really manifest in his demeanor. In the film, there is a brief insight into his family life, which I believe provides subtle indications about his backstory and motivations. There is an innocence to The Kid—a part of oneself that might get muted as one matures, which I attempted to capture and revive.”
Abrams seemed to revel in every upswing and moment working alongside Pitt and Clooney, who reunited on-screen for the first time in 16 years since their collaboration in ‘Burn After Reading.
.’ He revered the actors’ magnetic charisma and amicability, stating, “Their wit is second to none. George is an outstanding storyteller, and there’s no one else who can spin a tale quite like him.”
Recalling a valuable lesson imparted by Pitt during filming, Abrams shared, “Brad talked about how he selects projects, articulating a philosophy centered on connection; projects that resonate with him are the ones he gravitates towards. It’s about inspiring others through your authentic connection with the work. Brad’s words stayed with me—that inspiration can illuminate performance and project alike.”
As a mainstream fixture in Hollywood, George Clooney and Brad Pitt’s enduring friendship garners adoration and intrigue worldwide. Abrams, too, has accrued his constellation of connections since entering the industry in 2011. Considering the possibility of creating a film akin to ‘Wolfs’ with a peer, he pondered, “I’ve been fortunate to work with exceptional talent; Lewis Pullman, Alex Wolff, and Nat Wolff are incredible colleagues with whom I’ve shared rewarding creative experiences. We continuously extend our collaborations, much the way actors revisit directors and peers throughout their careers.”
Of course, many fans recognize Abrams from his standout role in Sam Levinson’s ‘Euphoria,’ where he played Ethan, a character who left a notable impact during his on-screen run. While the future remains uncertain regarding his return to the high-stakes drama series, Abrams reflected on the creative reservoir that characterized his ‘Euphoria’ tenure—an environment that brimmed with innovation and dynamism.
Moving forward, Abrams is set to appear in ‘Weapons,’ helmed by ‘Barbarian’ director Zach Cregger, where he will act alongside industry heavyweights Julia Garner and Josh Brolin. Rumblings have also surfaced about a sequel to ‘Wolfs,’ and Abrams, with an enthusiastic glimmer, did not shy away from expressing his eagerness to reunite with Clooney and Pitt. “I would join them again without hesitation. Whatever they’ve envisioned for the sequel evidently includes me, and it’s definitely an opportunity I wouldn’t pass up.”
‘Wolfs’ continues to capture audiences on Apple TV+, intertwining Austin Abrams’ riveting narrative with the acclaimed performances of A-list stalwarts to develop a must-watch cinematic phenomenon.
