VENICE – The Venice Film Festival witnessed a grand reunion on Sunday, September 1, 2024, as George Clooney and Brad Pitt graced the red carpet for the premiere of their latest thriller, ‘Wolfs.’ The two Hollywood heavyweights, who have enjoyed a longstanding friendship, lit up the scene with their camaraderie and star power, drawing in a crowd of excited fans and esteemed critics.
‘Wolfs,’ directed by Jon Watts, is a gripping tale where both Clooney and Pitt portray lone fixers who inadvertently find themselves assigned to the same job. This film marks another notable entry in their collaborative portfolio, following previous successes in the ‘Ocean’s’ trilogy and ‘Burn After Reading.’ Their combined star power and on-screen chemistry have set high expectations for this thrilling new adventure.
During an exclusive interview with People at the glittering premiere, Clooney humorously opened up about his experience working with Pitt. “There’s nothing good about it. It’s all a disaster,” Clooney joked, before adding more sincerely, “It’s fun to work with people you know really well.” This mix of humor and genuine affection illustrated the depth of their friendship, a theme that resonated strongly throughout the event.
In addition to sharing insights about their professional relationship, Clooney addressed a recent New York Times article that sparked considerable debate. The article alleged that both he and Pitt received over $35 million each for their roles in ‘Wolfs.’ Clooney was quick to downplay these figures, stating, “[It was] an interesting article and 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… it’ll make it impossible to make films.” This clarification underscored Clooney’s concern for the broader implications such inflated numbers could have on the film industry.
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Earlier this year, a source close to both actors had shared with People their excitement about reuniting for this project. “Brad and George are forever friends. They like and respect each other no matter how many years in between gigs together. ‘Wolfs’ was a meaty project and both took a real interest in it. They are excited about the film and enjoying the hell out of it as time leads up to the release,” the source revealed.
The world premiere of ‘Wolfs’ was nothing short of triumphant, with the film receiving a four-minute standing ovation, as reported by Variety. As Clooney and Pitt entered the packed theatre, they greeted the audience with a spirited “Buonasera!” instigating a wave of delighted cheers from their fans. The enthusiastic response hinted at the deep affection and excitement their fans hold for them.
As the film concluded and the credits rolled, a heartwarming moment was witnessed as Pitt and Clooney embraced and danced to Sade’s ‘Smooth Operator.’ Clooney then turned to his wife, Amal, and the couple shared a tender kiss, a sight that captivated the attendees. Following this moment of celebration, Clooney and Pitt descended from the balcony seats to the main floor, meeting and greeting their adoring fans in matching black suits, a twin act that added an extra layer of charm to the night.
Alongside Clooney and Pitt, ‘Wolfs’ boasts a stellar supporting cast including Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, and Poorna Jagannathan. The film is already generating buzz with a sequel in development, as confirmed by Apple earlier this month, with Watts continuing in his directorial role despite his absence from the Venice premiere due to a COVID-19 diagnosis.
The excitement is set to continue post-Venice, with ‘Wolfs’ scheduled for release in theaters on September 20. Following this, fans globally can catch the thriller on Apple TV+ starting September 27.
The reunion of Clooney and Pitt in ‘Wolfs’ has undoubtedly sparked a wave of excitement and anticipation. With accolades from the Venice audience and clarifications on industry-moving issues, this film appears not just as a thrilling cinematic experience, but as a testament to the enduring power of friendship and collaboration in Hollywood.
