In a much-anticipated reunion, Hollywood heavyweights George Clooney and Brad Pitt graced the Venice Film Festival on Sunday, September 1, 2024, to premiere their latest thriller, “Wolfs.” The film, directed by Jon Watts, casts both stars as solitary fixers who are assigned to the same job, rekindling the dynamic chemistry that has made previous collaborations like the Ocean’s trilogy and “Burn After Reading” so memorable.
Speaking to People at the premiere, Clooney shared insights into his camaraderie with Pitt, which has become almost legendary in Hollywood circles. “There’s nothing good about it. It’s all a disaster,” Clooney quipped with a laugh. Nevertheless, his tone shifted to a more sincere note as he added, “It’s fun to work with people you know really well.”
The splashy event was further fueled by a wave of recent controversy. A New York Times article had alleged that Clooney and Pitt were each paid over $35 million for their respective roles in “Wolfs.” Clooney addressed the claims directly, labeling them as wildly inaccurate. “[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,” he emphasized. This statement was met with a mix of shock and relief from industry insiders who were concerned about the perceived inflation in actor salaries.
Back in February, a source had confided to People that Clooney and Pitt were ecstatic about teaming up again. “Brad and George are forever friends,” the source revealed. “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.”
Sunday’s world premiere was nothing short of triumphant. Directed by Jon Watts, “Wolfs” captivated the festival crowd, garnering a four-minute standing ovation, as reported by Variety. As Clooney and Pitt entered the theater, they greeted the enthusiastic audience with a resonant “Buonasera!” which ignited excited responses from fans eager to catch their attention.
Following the film’s climactic finale, the celebration continued in a manner only fitting for Hollywood’s elite. Amid the closing credits, Pitt and Clooney shared an exuberant hug and were seen dancing to Sade’s “Smooth Operator,” a nostalgic moment that captured the film’s essence of wit and suspense. Clooney was also seen sharing a tender kiss with his wife, Amal, illuminating the joyous atmosphere of the evening. The two stars, both donned in matching black suits, then made their way down the theater’s stairs to interact with the cheering fans below.
“Wolfs” features a strong supporting cast, including Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, and Poorna Jagannathan. The film has already sparked excitement for a sequel, with Apple announcing earlier this month that both Clooney and Pitt, as well as director Jon Watts, are on board for the next installment. Unfortunately, Watts was unable to attend the Venice premiere as he had tested positive for COVID-19, an absence keenly felt by his stars and the audience alike.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see this star-studded ensemble on the big screen. “Wolfs” is set to hit theaters on September 20 and will subsequently be available for streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 27. This dual release strategy positions the film for a broad audience reach, both in traditional cinemas and via a leading streaming platform, aligning with current industry trends.
With palpable chemistry, magnetic screen presence, and a plot thick with suspense and action, “Wolfs” promises to be another memorable entry in the illustrious careers of both George Clooney and Brad Pitt. The Venice Film Festival premiere has undoubtedly set a high bar, generating substantial buzz and anticipation ahead of the film’s broader release later this month.
