Apple Original Films is shaking its release strategy as it doubles down on the upcoming action-comedy “Wolfs,” starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt.
The studio has made a deal with director Jon Watts to helm, write and produce a sequel for the A-list stars.
The film, which will premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, was originally slated for a wide release before hitting Apple TV+. Now, it is set for a one-week limited theatrical release on September 20, followed by an Apple TV+ debut on September 27.
In “Wolfs,” Clooney plays a professional fixer hired to cover up a high-profile crime. But when a second fixer (Pitt) shows up and the two “lone wolves” are forced to work together, they find their night spiraling out of control in ways that neither one of them expected.
The cast also includes Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, Poorna Jagannathan, Richard Kind, and Zlatko Burić.
“‘Wolfs’ is the kind of big event movie that makes Apple TV+ such an exceptional home for the best in entertainment,” said Apple Original Films’ head of features Matt Dentler in a statement. “With George and Brad’s remarkable and engaging chemistry under Jon Watts’ extraordinary direction, ‘Wolfs’ blends all the great elements of comedy, action, and drama into a hugely entertaining movie that will leave audiences ready for what’s next,".
"Releasing the movie to theaters before making it widely available to Apple TV+ customers brings the best of both worlds to audiences, and we’re excited to see fans embrace the movie as we start working with Jon on the sequel," he added.
Jon Watts and Dianne McGunigle produce, with Clooney produces alongside Grant Heslov through Smokehouse Pictures, and Pitt produces alongside Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B Entertainment. Michael Beugg executive produces.