George Clooney and Brad Pitt have publicly refuted claims that they were each paid $35 million for their roles in the upcoming action comedy "Wolfs." The actors addressed the controversy during a press conference at the Venice Film Festival, where the film premiered to a packed audience.
The New York Times reported on August 25 that Clooney and Pitt received more than $35 million each for their work on "Wolfs," while director Jon Watts allegedly earned over $15 million. The story sparked widespread discussion and scrutiny regarding the film industry's salary standards, particularly in light of the movie's limited theatrical release.
During the press conference, Clooney labeled the reported figures as "interesting" but far from accurate. "It's millions and millions and millions of dollars less than what was reported," Clooney stated. "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 will make it impossible to make films."
The discrepancy in reported salaries highlights ongoing tensions within the film industry, especially regarding the sustainability of high salaries amidst a changing distribution landscape. The film, directed by Watts, features Clooney and Pitt as two elite "lone-wolf" fixers who are forced into a partnership to cover up a high-profile crime. Despite the star power, the film will see a limited release in only a few hundred theaters due to a revised distribution strategy.
Clooney also expressed disappointment about the limited theatrical release, describing it as a "bummer." He explained that the initial plans for a wider release fell through, which influenced the film's distribution strategy. "We've had some bumps along the way," Clooney said, reflecting on the broader challenges faced by the industry in the post-COVID era. "It would've been nice if we had a wide release."
The film's distribution issues were compounded by a recent shift in plans. The movie is set to debut on Apple TV+ on September 27, following its limited theatrical release on September 20 through Sony. This change underscores the ongoing adaptation within the industry as streaming services increasingly dominate film distribution.
In addition to addressing salary concerns, Clooney took the opportunity to discuss his recent op-ed in The New York Times, which endorsed a change in Democratic presidential leadership. He praised President Joe Biden's decision to step down as the party's nominee, describing it as "the most selfless thing that anybody has done since George Washington."
Clooney's comments come amidst a period of significant transition for the entertainment industry. As traditional movie releases and streaming platforms navigate evolving audience behaviors, industry figures like Clooney and Pitt are at the forefront of these changes. The actors' transparency regarding their compensation and the film's distribution strategy reflects broader industry challenges and adaptations.
In a related development, it has been reported that Jon Watts has secured a deal with Apple to write and direct a sequel to "Wolfs." However, it remains unclear whether Clooney and Pitt will reprise their roles in the follow-up.
