### Apple Has Done This Clooney & Pitt Comedy A Huge Disservice: A Detailed Review

George Clooney and Brad Pitt, iconic stars of the silver screen, have recently taken an unexpected step by returning a portion of their salaries for their forthcoming film, *Wolfs*. This decision came after Apple abruptly canceled the movie’s wider theatrical release. *Wolfs*, an Apple original, narrates the story of two rival fixers who are compelled to collaborate when they are hired for the same cleanup job. Following its premiere at the 81st Venice Film Festival, the film has garnered generally positive reviews.

However, The Hollywood Reporter has disclosed that Clooney and Pitt decided to return some of their earnings after the broader theatrical release was scrapped. At the Venice Film Festival, Clooney confirmed that both he and Pitt returned part of their salaries because the film’s distribution was limited to select theaters just a week before its Apple TV+ debut. Clooney also refuted claims that each actor was paid $35 million for the project, stating it was “millions and millions and millions of dollars less.” He elaborated:

“[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. I think that’s terrible; it’ll make it impossible to make films.”

Clooney continued by expressing his disappointment about the limited release. “Yes, we wanted it to be released [in theaters]. We’ve had some bumps along the way; that happens. When I did [Clooney-directed biographical sports drama] *The Boys in the Boat*, we did it for MGM, and then it ended up being for Amazon, and we didn’t get a foreign release at all, which was a surprise. There are elements of this that we are figuring out. You guys are all in this too. We’re all in this industry, and we’re trying to find our way post-COVID and everything else, and so there’s some bumps along the way. It is a bummer of course, but on the other hand, a lot of people are going to see the film and we are getting a release in a few hundred theaters, so we’re getting a release. But yeah, it would’ve been nice if we had a wide release.”

### The Impact of Clooney & Pitt’s Salary Reductions on *Wolfs*

The decision by Clooney and Pitt to return part of their salaries is a significant gesture in light of the film’s restricted theatrical release. Critics have praised *Wolfs* for its character-driven comedy and action but lamented that its potential audience has been limited by Apple’s quick decision—made just six weeks before the film was set to premiere in theaters on September 20. Although some theaters will still show *Wolfs*, its presence will be minimal before it transitions to Apple TV+ the following week. The duration of its theatrical run remains uncertain, but it is clear that it will not enjoy the widespread exposure initially planned.

By returning part of their salaries, Clooney and Pitt align their compensation with the film’s muted release strategy. This move underscores their commitment to the project and their disapproval of the sudden change. Apple’s interest in producing *Wolfs 2* raises questions about future compensation should they decide to participate in a sequel. Given their current salary reduction, it appears unlikely they would return unless they consider their pay fair based on whether the sequel receives a theatrical release or goes directly to streaming.

### The Future of *Wolfs* and Its Sequel

Despite the challenges, *Wolfs* has received positive reception so far, suggesting that Apple might have successfully risked a wider theatrical release without fearing a box office flop. However, Apple’s swift decision—likely influenced by the recent failures of high-budget films like *Napoleon* and *Argylle* in theaters—could erode audience trust in their future decisions. Clooney and Pitt’s actions reflect their disappointment with the abrupt change, signaling that *Wolfs* was truly intended for a big-screen experience.

Currently, *Wolfs* holds a 67% critic score based on 12 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.

### About *Wolfs*

*Wolfs* is an action-thriller directed and written by Jon Watts, marking the first collaboration between Brad Pitt and George Clooney since 2008. The film follows two fixers who are forced to work together after being hired for the same job.

– **Director:** Jon Watts
– **Release Date:** September 20, 2024
– **Studios:** Apple Studios, Plan B Entertainment, Smokehouse Pictures
– **Distributors:** Sony Pictures Releasing, Apple TV+
– **Cast:** George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, Poorna Jagannathan
– **Runtime:** 108 Minutes
– **Genre:** Crime

This detailed review aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding *Wolfs* and the commendable actions taken by its leading stars, George Clooney and Brad Pitt.