Running across the bustling streets of Manhattan for an entire night dressed only in underwear and socks is not a challenge many would accept willingly. However, for Austin Abrams, being relentlessly pursued by none other than Brad Pitt and George Clooney made it the easiest career decision he’d ever had to make. The surreal experience of working alongside these Hollywood legends still astounds Abrams, as he expressed during a Zoom interview from his Los Angeles home, adorned with a “2001: A Space Odyssey” poster in the background.
“It was crazy,” Abrams beamed, reminiscing about the adventure. “Having the chance to work with Brad and George — it’s like a dream. They are just as incredible in person as you would expect. They’re charismatic, warm, and they make you feel right at home,” Abrams noted, emphasizing the rare privilege of sharing the screen with not one but both of these iconic actors.
At 28 years old, Abrams was already a familiar face in the realm of coming-of-age and romantic dramas, thanks to roles in “Paper Towns,” “Chemical Hearts,” “Dash & Lily,” and “Brad’s Status.” He’s also well-known as Ethan in the critically acclaimed series “Euphoria.” Now, he has stepped into mainstream cinematic spotlight as “The Kid” in “Wolfs,” a major Apple project directed by Jon Watts, famed for the MCU’s Spider-Man trilogy.
“Wolfs” rapidly claimed the title of the most-viewed movie in Apple TV+ history, just days after its premiere. Abrams shines brightly throughout the film, effortlessly capturing scenes from under the noses of his legendary co-stars. One standout moment features Abrams delivering a hilarious, breathless rant about a wild hotel room escapade with a district attorney, ending in a presumed-dead scenario amid a bag of drugs—adding to the movie’s highlights.
Playing “The Kid” allowed Abrams to delve into a character who, despite his chaotic life, retained a childlike innocence.
. “He still felt like a real kid to me,” Abrams elaborated. “He’s known as ‘The Kid’ in the movie, and I wanted to tap into that sense of innocence that often becomes hidden as we grow older. You see glimpses of his world, like the scene with his dad and his house, which offer clues about who he is.”
Sharing the cinematic stage again with Brad Pitt and George Clooney, who reunited for “Wolfs” 16 years after “Burn After Reading,” Abrams observed their exceptional storytelling and unmatched wit. “George Clooney is the ultimate storyteller, and Brad’s approach to choosing projects—connecting with them deeply and hoping others do too—really resonated with me,” Abrams recounted.
As part of Hollywood’s story-soaked ecosystem since 2011, Abrams has forged significant bonds. When posed with the hypothetical of starring in a personal variant of “Wolfs” with an actor friend, his mind quickly turned to Lewis Pullman, Alex Wolff, or Nat Wolff—collaborators with whom he’s shared multiple projects.
Reflecting on his time as Ethan on “Euphoria,” Abrams didn’t shy away from expressing his affection for the series, despite uncertainty about his future involvement. “Working on ‘Euphoria’ with Sam Levinson was a creative high point. The set was always evolving, much like I imagine film sets of the ‘70s,” he stated.
Looking to the horizon, Abrams is set to appear in Zach Cregger’s “Weapons,” alongside Julia Garner and Josh Brolin, with a potential “Wolfs” sequel also on the cards. “There’s been talk about the sequel including my character,” he mentioned with a smile. “I’d jump at the chance to work with Brad and George again; I would do absolutely anything to make it happen.”
“Wolfs” is currrently streaming on Apple TV+, and fans are keenly anticipating Abrams’ next thrilling chapters in both the action-comedy realm and possibly a return to his roots with the much-loved “Euphoria.”
