George Clooney and Brad Pitt reunited at the Venice Film Festival on Sunday, September 1, 2024, for the premiere of their latest thriller, “Wolfs.” The film, in which both superstars portray lone fixers assigned to the same job, represents another chapter in the storied collaboration between the long-time friends. They have previously shared the screen in several blockbuster hits like the “Ocean’s” trilogy and “Burn After Reading.”
As they walked the red carpet, both actors looked visibly excited, exchanging jokes and laughter, a testament to their enduring friendship. Clooney, in a light-hearted yet insightful conversation with People magazine at the premiere, spoke about the joy and comfort of working with Pitt. “There’s nothing good about it. It’s all a disaster,” Clooney quipped humorously. He quickly added, “It’s fun to work with people you know really well.”
Clooney’s comments weren’t just limited to their camaraderie. He also addressed a recent controversial article from the New York Times, which claimed that he and Pitt had each been paid over $35 million for their roles in “Wolfs.” Setting the record straight, Clooney remarked, “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.”
The praise for their anticipated collaboration didn’t come out of nowhere. Earlier in February, a source had told People that both Clooney and Pitt were thrilled to be working together again. “Brad and George are forever friends,” the source stated. “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.
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Sunday’s event was a triumphant world premiere for the Jon Watts-directed film. According to Variety, the cast received an astounding four-minute standing ovation from the audience. As Clooney and Pitt entered the theater, they greeted the eager crowd with a booming “Buonasera!” prompting some fans to shout back, hoping to capture their attention.
The anticipation reached a climax when the credits rolled. Clooney and Pitt, clearly invigorated by the film’s reception, hugged each other before grooving to Sade’s “Smooth Operator.” It was a moment of genuine joy and celebration. Clooney then turned to his wife, Amal, and the two shared a heartfelt kiss. Afterward, he and Pitt descended from their balcony seats to greet the cheering fans. Both were dressed in matching black suits, a sartorial choice that did not go unnoticed.
The chemistry between Clooney and Pitt was palpable, both on and off the screen, adding layers of intrigue to the film’s narrative. “Wolfs” also stars Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, and Poorna Jagannathan. In a sign of its already-growing popularity and potential franchise value, Apple announced earlier this month that a sequel to the film is already in development, with Jon Watts and the two stars attached to the project.
However, not everything went as planned. Jon Watts, the director, had to skip attending the Venice premiere after testing positive for COVID-19. Despite his absence, the film’s premiere was a resounding success and set high expectations for its theatrical release.
“Wolfs” is set to be released in theaters on September 20, 2024. Fans eager for more can also look forward to its availability for streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 27, 2024.
The Venice Film Festival has been a showcase for numerous anticipated films this year, and “Wolfs” has clearly emerged as one of its standouts. The chemistry and performances of Clooney and Pitt combined with the gripping storyline is sure to make it a must-watch.
Stay tuned for more updates on the film’s release and further details about the upcoming sequel.
