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At the Venice Film Festival, Brad Pitt and George Clooney made headlines with the premiere of Wolfs, a film that has set a new record as the most expensive TV movie ever made. With a staggering budget of $200 million, this high-profile project combines star power with lavish production values.
In Wolfs, Pitt and Clooney portray rival "clean-up" specialists tasked with disposing of a body in a hotel room—a premise that blends dark comedy with the dynamic duo's signature charm. The film's engaging plot and their on-screen chemistry have generated significant buzz ahead of its release.
During the festival, Clooney, 63, jested about Pitt's age, quipping, "He's 74 years old, so he's very lucky to still be working at his age." He also humorously referenced their past work together, noting, "The restraining order ran out. No, it was just cash; money will do it."
The film stars reportedly earned $35 million each, and initially insisted on a broad theatrical release. However, Apple has made a last-minute change: Wolfs will now be shown in US theaters for just one week before its global streaming debut. This decision comes in the wake of recent high-budget releases such as Napoleon, Killers of the Flower Moon, and Argylle, which failed to perform well in cinemas.
Clooney expressed disappointment over the revised release strategy, stating, "It's a bummer. We would have liked a broader release. Brad and I gave some of our salary back to try to make that happen, but we faced some challenges." He acknowledged the ongoing adjustments within the streaming and cinematic landscapes, remarking, "We need Apple and Amazon, and they need the traditional studios like Sony and Warner Bros."
Pitt shared his perspective on the importance of collaboration, saying, "Working with people I enjoy has become really important to me." The film also marks a significant reunion for Pitt and Clooney, whose last collaboration was 15 years ago in Burn After Reading.
Apple's commitment to the film extended beyond production costs, with over £1 million allocated for hosting the premiere at Venice's Cipriani hotel. The event featured a guest list including Clooney's agent Bryan Lourd and Apple CEO Tim Cook, though director Jon Watt was unable to attend due to illness.
With its groundbreaking budget and high-profile cast, Wolfs is set to leave a lasting mark on the industry. Its unique release strategy highlights the evolving nature of film distribution, reflecting broader shifts in how audiences engage with high-cost cinematic content.
