On a star-studded Sunday evening at the Venice Film Festival, long-time collaborators and friends George Clooney and Brad Pitt reunited for the premiere of their latest thriller, ‘Wolfs.’ The buzz around this highly anticipated movie has been building for months, and fans were eager to see the dynamic duo back on screen together. The film features both A-list actors as lone fixers who find themselves tasked with the same job, a premise that has left audiences eagerly awaiting its release.
During an interview with People at the premiere, George Clooney candidly discussed his experience working alongside Brad Pitt once again. “There’s nothing good about it. It’s all a disaster,” quipped Clooney, his trademark humor on full display. He quickly added on a more serious note, “It’s fun to work with people you know really well.” The camaraderie between Clooney and Pitt has been evident throughout their numerous collaborations, which include popular hits like the Ocean’s trilogy and ‘Burn After Reading.’
The premiere wasn’t just about the film; it also became a platform for Clooney to address the recent controversy over their alleged hefty paychecks. A New York Times article claimed that both Clooney and Pitt were paid over $35 million each for their roles in ‘Wolfs,’ drawing significant public and industry attention. Clooney responded to these claims by clarifying, “[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.”
Earlier this year, a source told People, “Brad and George are forever friends. 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.
.” Indeed, their enthusiasm was palpable as they stood side-by-side, greeting a thrilled crowd at Venice.
As the lights dimmed and the film began, the anticipation was electric. According to Variety, the Jon Watts-directed film received a triumphant world premiere, complete with a 4-minute standing ovation. Fans inside the theater were treated to more than just a movie; they witnessed Clooney and Pitt’s deep-rooted friendship manifest in spontaneous moments. When the credits rolled on this crime romp, the two stars embraced with a heartfelt hug and even grooved to Sade’s ‘Smooth Operator.’ Clooney then turned to his wife Amal for a kiss, before he and Pitt made their way down to the auditorium floor, twinning in matching black suits, to greet their fans.
While the evening celebrated their on-screen reunion, the absence of director Jon Watts was conspicuous. Watts, who skipped the Venice premiere after testing positive for COVID, was acknowledged in Clooney’s remarks. Despite his absence, the film’s successful premiere and the stars’ infectious enthusiasm ensured it was a memorable night. Adding to the fervor, an announcement earlier this month confirmed that a sequel to ‘Wolfs’ is already in development, with Watts and both actors set to return.
Apart from Clooney and Pitt, the film boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, and Poorna Jagannathan. This strong lineup, along with the gripping storyline, positions ‘Wolfs’ as a must-watch thriller for the year. Its theatrical release is set for September 20, and it will also be available for streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 27.
The film festival also showcased other cinematic gems, including Brady Corbet’s three-hour post-war epic, ‘The Brutalist,’ which debuted to critical acclaim. However, it was ‘Wolfs’ that stole the spotlight, largely due to the magnetic presence of its leading men.
As Clooney and Pitt left the theatre that night, it was clear that their bond goes beyond their numerous professional collaborations. It’s a friendship built on mutual respect and shared experiences, one that continues to excite fans and bring unforgettable characters to the big screen. This latest chapter in their ongoing story only solidifies their status as enduring Hollywood icons.
