George Clooney and Brad Pitt reunited in splendid fashion at the Venice Film Festival this past Sunday (September 01, 2024), captivating audiences with the premiere of their highly-anticipated thriller, “Wolfs.” The film, which sees both stars stepping into the shoes of lone fixers assigned to the same job, heralds yet another collaboration for these long-time friends who have previously stolen the show in films like the Ocean’s trilogy and Burn After Reading.
While interacting with People at the vibrant red carpet event, Clooney delved into what it’s like working with his old buddy, Brad Pitt. “There’s nothing good about it. It’s all a disaster,” Clooney quipped with his signature sense of humor. He quickly added on a sincere note, “It’s fun to work with people you know really well.” This clearly highlights the camaraderie that the two share, which has evidently transmuted into a working rapport cherished by fans and critics alike.
In addition to expounding on their friendship, Clooney also addressed a recent piece in the New York Times, which caused quite a stir by reporting that both he and Pitt pocketed over $35 million each for their roles in “Wolfs.” The megastar candidly debunked these figures. “[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 anticipation for “Wolfs” had been building ever since a source confided to People back in February about the stars’ enthusiasm for working together again. “Brad and George are forever friends,” the insider 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.”
The film, helmed by acclaimed director Jon Watts, made a triumphant world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, garnering a rapturous four-minute standing ovation as reported by Variety. As Clooney and Pitt entered the ornate theater, they greeted an eager crowd with a buoyant “Buonasera!” which led to shouts and cheers from fans hoping to catch their eye.
When the end credits rolled, signifying the conclusion of what appears to be a spellbinding crime romp, Clooney and Pitt shared an endearing hug and even grooved to Sade’s classic hit, “Smooth Operator.” Clooney then turned to his wife, Amal, and the two shared a heartfelt kiss—a moment that was met with a chorus of adulation from the crowd. Following this heartwarming display, the duo descended the stairs from the theater’s balcony, enveloped in a wave of cheers, both impeccably dressed in black suits that only added to the night’s glamour.
“Wolfs” also boasts a stellar supporting cast, featuring Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, and Poorna Jagannathan. The buzz does not stop here, as Apple recently announced that a sequel to “Wolfs” is already in the works, with Jon Watts and the star duo slated to return. However, Jon Watts had to miss the Venice premiere due to testing positive for COVID-19, a minor hiccup in what was otherwise a glittering night.
The film is set to make its theatrical debut on September 20 and will be available for streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 27. Fans around the world are waiting with bated breath to see if the magic that Clooney and Pitt famously create on screen will once again enchant audiences.
Furthermore, the Venice Film Festival also saw the debut of other noteworthy films, enhancing the prestige of this event. For instance, Brady Corbet’s three-hour post-war epic, “The Brutalist,” also made a significant impact.
In sum, the Venice Film Festival premiere of “Wolfs” was not just an event but a celebration of friendship, creativity, and cinematic excellence. With charismatic leads like George Clooney and Brad Pitt, bolstered by an engaging plot and dynamic direction, this film is gearing up to be another monumental addition to a genre that thrives on star power and narrative flair. Audiences worldwide eagerly anticipate this next chapter in the Clooney-Pitt saga, both on and off the screen.
