George Clooney and Brad Pitt made a grand entrance at the prestigious Venice Film Festival on Sunday, September 1, 2024, to premiere their new thriller, Wolfs. This latest venture sees the dynamic duo sharing the screen once more, playing lone fixers assigned to the same high-stakes job. Clooney and Pitt, who have a long history of working together, including on hits like the Ocean’s trilogy and Burn After Reading, were clearly thrilled to be united again on this exciting project.
In an exclusive conversation with People during the premiere, Clooney humorously discussed the trials and tribulations of working with longtime friend Pitt. “There’s nothing good about it. It’s all a disaster,” he quipped, instantly lightening the atmosphere. He soon added on a more sincere note, “It’s fun to work with people you know really well.”
Beyond the jovial remarks about their friendship, Clooney addressed a recent controversial New York Times article, which alleged that he and Pitt were paid over $35 million each for their roles in Wolfs. Clooney candidly refuted these claims, saying, “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 bond between Clooney and Pitt goes beyond just the professional realm. A source told People earlier this year that both stars were incredibly enthusiastic about the opportunity to work together again. “Brad and George are forever friends,” the source shared. “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 are enjoying the hell out of it as time leads up to the release.
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Their palpable excitement added a special touch to the premiere night, which was nothing short of triumphant. Directed by Jon Watts, Wolfs enjoyed a world premiere that was met with overwhelming applause from the audience—a 4-minute standing ovation, according to Variety. As Clooney and Pitt entered the theatre, they greeted the enthusiastic crowd with a hearty “Buonasera!” setting the tone for the evening. Fans responded with excited shouts, eager to catch the stars’ attention.
As the film’s credits rolled, the celebration continued. Clooney and Pitt shared a warm embrace before dancing to Sade’s “Smooth Operator.” Clooney also shared a tender moment with his wife Amal, sealing it with a kiss. The two friends then descended the stairs from their balcony seats to engage directly with their cheering fans below, both dressed in matching black suits, which added an air of elegance to the festivity.
Wolfs boasts a robust supporting cast, including Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, and Poorna Jagannathan. In an exciting development for fans, Apple has already greenlit a sequel, with Watts and the two star leads on board for the next installment. Unfortunately, Jon Watts was unable to attend the Venice premiere due to a positive COVID test.
Nevertheless, the film’s reception suggests a bright future. Wolfs is slated for a theatrical release on September 20, and it will soon be available for streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 27.
In addition to Clooney and Pitt’s significant media coverage, the Venice Film Festival continued to be a hotbed for cinematic excellence. Brady Corbet’s three-hour post-war epic, The Brutalist, also made its much-anticipated debut, captivating audiences and critics alike.
As the festival progresses, it’s clear that Wolfs will be a standout due to the compelling performances by Clooney and Pitt, the keen direction by Watts, and the palpable camaraderie between the two leading men. Their reunion has not only sparked excitement among fans but has also set a high bar for Hollywood collaborations. Expect Wolfs to be a significant topic of conversation in the days to come, both for its thrilling narrative and the undeniable chemistry of its stars.
