VENICE, September 1, 2024 — Hollywood megastars George Clooney and Brad Pitt reunited at the Venice Film Festival for the much-anticipated premiere of their latest thriller, “Wolfs.” This film marks another chapter in the dynamic collaboration between the two longtime friends, who have previously enthralled audiences with their performances in films like the “Ocean’s” trilogy and “Burn After Reading.”
The film sees both Clooney and Pitt tackling the intriguing roles of lone fixers inadvertently assigned to the same task. While speaking to People Magazine during the premiere, Clooney light-heartedly commented on their working relationship, “There’s nothing good about it. It’s all a disaster,” he said with a chuckling tone, before adding more sincerely, “It’s fun to work with people you know really well.”
Beyond their camaraderie, the spotlight was also turned onto a recent New York Times article that claimed both actors were paid over $35 million each for their roles in “Wolfs.” Clooney was quick to set the record straight, labeling the reported figures as exorbitantly exaggerated. “It was an interesting article, but the source must’ve been mistaken. Our salaries are millions and millions and millions of dollars less than what was reported,” he clarified. Adding that such misinformation could harm the industry, he said, “It’s bad for our industry if people think that’s the standard for salaries. It’ll make it impossible to make films.”
News of their reunion has been eagerly awaited since an insider revealed to People in February that Clooney and Pitt were elated about working together again. “Brad and George are forever friends,” the source disclosed. “They like and respect each other, no matter how many years in between gigs. ‘Wolfs’ was a meaty project, and both took a real interest in it.
. They are excited about the film and are enjoying the hell out of it as time leads up to the release.”
The film’s world premiere at the Venice Film Festival was nothing short of spectacular. Directed by Jon Watts, the movie received a euphoric reception with a 4-minute standing ovation, as reported by Variety. The two Hollywood icons greeted the electrified audience with a resonant “Buonasera!” which was met with cheers and acclamations from fans hoping to catch their attention.
As the credits rolled on the crime caper, Clooney and Pitt shared a warm embrace before breaking out into a dance to Sade’s classic hit, “Smooth Operator.” The festive moment continued when Clooney turned to his wife, Amal, sharing a heartfelt kiss before he and Pitt descended the theater balcony to interact with their ecstatic fans, their matching black suits further amplifying the sense of unity and celebration.
Joining Clooney and Pitt in “Wolfs” are talented stars Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, and Poorna Jagannathan, contributing to what’s anticipated to be a stellar cinematic experience. The excitement doesn’t end here, as a sequel has already been announced by Apple, with Jon Watts and the dynamic duo both attached to the project. Unfortunately, Watts was absent at the Venice premiere due to testing positive for COVID-19.
The buzz surrounding “Wolfs” is expected to amplify further as the release date draws near. The movie is slated to hit theaters on September 20, and for those who prefer to stream their thrillers, it will be available on Apple TV+ starting September 27.
The Venice Film Festival continues to be a significant platform for showcasing some of the most anticipated films of the year. Alongside “Wolfs,” the festival also saw the debut of Brady Corbet’s three-hour post-war epic, “The Brutalist,” another high-profile film making waves among critics and audiences alike.
As audiences and fans gear up for the formal releases, the unmistakable chemistry and camaraderie between George Clooney and Brad Pitt remain at the forefront, epitomizing a collaborative spirit that has enchanted moviegoers and is set to do so once again with “Wolfs.” Their reunion not only signifies a celebration of friendship but also the remarkable journey of two acclaimed actors whose collaborations continue to set new benchmarks in the world of cinema.
