Director Reveals Why Apple TV+ Canceled Wolfs Sequel: “I No Longer Trusted Them”

Apple TV+’s crime-thriller Wolfs, starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney, was poised for a sequel, but those plans have officially been scrapped. According to Variety, the sequel was initially announced in August, only to be quietly canceled three months later. The news emerged after director Jon Watts discussed the situation during an interview with Collider.

While promoting his upcoming Disney+ series, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, Watts admitted, “I don’t know what I’m directing next, and I don’t think there’s going to be a Wolfs sequel.” Apple TV+ has yet to respond to inquiries about the cancellation.

Behind-the-Scenes Drama Over Release Strategy

Watts elaborated on the cancellation in a statement to Deadline, explaining the fallout with Apple TV+. “I showed Apple my final cut of Wolfs early this year. They were extremely enthusiastic and quickly commissioned me to begin writing a sequel. However, they made a sudden and unilateral decision to shift the release strategy—from a wide theatrical release to a streaming-first approach. I wasn’t informed of the change until less than a week before they made it public,” he revealed.

The unexpected pivot left Watts blindsided. “I was completely shocked and asked them to omit the news about me writing a sequel. Despite my request, they went ahead with the announcement to spin their streaming pivot positively. In the end, I returned the money they gave me for the sequel because I no longer trusted them as a creative partner. Apple didn’t cancel the sequel; I did.”

Watts emphasized that his decision wasn’t personal against the cast, saying, “I loved working with Brad, George, and the rest of the team, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Theatrical Release vs. Streaming: A Major Disagreement

Watts’ frustration stemmed from his vision for the film. Wolfs was designed to be a theatrical experience. The movie, released earlier this year in a limited theatrical run alongside its Apple TV+ debut, starred George Clooney as Jack, a professional “fixer,” and Brad Pitt as Nick, another fixer forced to collaborate with Jack.

In an interview, Watts reflected on Apple’s release strategy, saying, “When I pitched the movie, this was before Spider-Man: No Way Home came out, during a time when theatrical movie-going’s future was uncertain. But since then, I’ve realized how vital and valuable the theatrical experience is. We crafted Wolfs to be seen in theaters, with twists, humor, and a visually engaging narrative that shines best on the big screen.”

Clooney’s Reaction: A “Bummer” for Fans

George Clooney echoed Watts’ disappointment over the decision to forego a wide theatrical release. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival, Clooney admitted, “It’s a bummer. We wanted it to be released widely, but sometimes there are bumps along the way. We’re figuring things out as we go.”

Clooney also pointed out the broader industry shifts affecting distribution. “When I did Boys in the Boat, it transitioned from MGM to Amazon, and we didn’t even get a foreign release, which was unexpected. While it’s great that many people will see Wolfs via streaming, it would’ve been nicer to have a wide theatrical release.”

What’s Next for Jon Watts?

Despite the fallout over Wolfs, Watts has moved on to helm Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, set to debut on Disney+ on December 3. The series, starring Jude Law, follows a group of kids who stumble upon a mysterious discovery and find themselves lost in a dangerous galaxy.

As Watts dives into the Star Wars universe, the Wolfs saga serves as a reminder of the creative tensions that can arise in today’s rapidly evolving entertainment landscape, where streaming and theatrical releases are often at odds.

Source: CBR