Apple TV+'s gamble on 'Wolfs' leaves sequel in limbo
It was expected to be a box office and streaming success. However, something went wrong, and "Wolfs" starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt ended up being a flop. Consequently, the idea for a second film was abandoned.
Apple TV+'s decision to limit the theatrical release of "Wolfs" with George Clooney and Brad Pitt surprised the film industry. Director Jon Watts announced he would not proceed with the planned sequel, having lost trust in the platform as a creative partner. What went wrong?
Lone, abandoned wolves
Apple TV+ has long been offering excellent series, but its luck with feature films hasn't been as strong recently. Productions like "Napoleon" and "Argylle" received mixed responses from Canadian and American critics and audiences, not particularly standing out at the global box office. One consequence was the reduced distribution of the new film featuring Brad Pitt and George Clooney. You might have seen a trailer for "Wolfs," which seemed promising. However, after the film's poor reception in the United States, the distributor decided on a short and limited theatrical run.
The strategy was altered just before the premiere. The film was slated to screen for only a week before debuting on the streaming platform. Apple TV+'s decision came as a shock to the cast and crew. Director Jon Watts announced he is abandoning the potential sequel because, in his words, he "no longer trusted them as a creative partner," as reported by Collider.
According to Collider, "Wolfs" could have successfully bridged the gap between high-budget productions and festival films, offering an original concept not tied to existing franchises. In a word: finally something genuinely new. This was partially confirmed as the film is reportedly doing well in streaming, according to the American press.
