Imagine running across the bustling streets of Manhattan for an entire night dressed only in your underwear and socks. Now, imagine doing so while being relentlessly chased by none other than Brad Pitt and George Clooney. For Austin Abrams, this scenario was not a frantic nightmare but rather a career-defining opportunity, one he eagerly seized. Reflecting on this eccentric yet exhilarating experience, Abrams shares, “It was crazy,” during a Zoom call from his Los Angeles home adorned with a 2001: A Space Odyssey poster. “It is still crazy to me. I was reflecting on this whole journey last night, and I’m amazed I got to do something like this. Brad and George are everything you’d hope them to be. They’re amazing, and they do everything they can to make you feel welcome. It’s a massive privilege to work with them… acting with even one of them would have been crazy, but both?”
The opportunity for Abrams came in the form of his first major big-budget role in ‘Wolfs’, a project by Jon Watts, the director well-noted for his work on the MCU’s Spider-Man trilogy. Attending the ‘Wolfs’ photocall during the 81st Venice International Film Festival at Palazzo del Casino, Abrams shared the stage with Pitt, Clooney, and Amy Ryan. Despite the grandeur of the event and the luminaries surrounding him, it was Abrams’ charming demeanor and versatile talent that left a lasting imprint on the viewers. The film has soared as Apple TV+’s most-watched premiere, with Abrams’ comedic prowess and energetic performance stealing scenes right from under his legendary co-stars.
Abrams’ character, known simply as ‘The Kid’, is an endearing, albeit frantic, presence in the action-comedy. In one memorable scene, ‘The Kid’ finds himself flat-faced and presumed dead in a hotel room after a wild night involving a district attorney and a bag of drugs. It is these hilariously chaotic situations that showcase Abrams’ ability to portray youthful innocence alongside staggering absurdity.
. He notes, “The Kid still feels like an actual kid to me. You get a glimpse into his life—a quick peek at his dad and his house offers clues about him.”
Working with powerhouses like Pitt and Clooney was as fulfilling off-screen as on-screen for Abrams. Describing their presence, he raves, “They are just incredibly charismatic, warm, thoughtful, and smart. Their wit is unparalleled and I’ve never met a better storyteller than George Clooney.”
Recalling a particularly significant piece of advice from Pitt, Abrams shares, “Brad talked about choosing projects he felt connected to and trusting that others will connect with it too. It’s about doing what inspires you, hoping that shines through in the performance and project when people watch it.”
As the conversation shifts towards his potential co-stars for a personal dream project, Abrams does not hesitate to mention his industry friends like Lewis Pullman, Alex Wolff, and Nat Wolff as fantastic candidates. “The dream is to continue working with collaborators you love. It’s common to see actors repeatedly work with the same directors or actors because they enjoy it so much,” he muses.
Most renowned for his role as Ethan in ‘Euphoria’, Abrams reflects on the alternate world of the HBO series that captivated audiences worldwide, even as uncertainty looms over his return for the upcoming season following the departure of Barbie Ferreira, who played his character’s love interest, Kat. “Euphoria was an incredibly creative endeavor,” Abrams recalls. “It felt like being on set in the ’70s—constantly moving and evolving.”
Looking ahead, Abrams is set to appear in the upcoming ‘Weapons,’ directed by Zach Cregger, alongside Julia Garner and Josh Brolin. Amidst whispers of a ‘Wolfs’ sequel that may include his return alongside Pitt and Clooney, Abrams is tight-lipped but hopeful, “I think it could happen. I’d do anything to work with them again.”
The ambitious, charismatic, and talented Austin Abrams stands poised at the intersection of indie charm and mainstream acclaim, as he continues to enchant audiences, holding them in thrall whether he’s sprinting through the metropolis or venturing into an enigmatic Euphoria. As ‘Wolfs’ continues streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, one thing is certain: Austin Abrams is more than ready to leave another indelible mark on both cinema and television.
