A famous Hollywood director is engaged in a public battle with Apple over the most-watched movie ever on the Apple TV+ streaming service. Jon Watts, best known from the various “Spider-Man” films, delivered a top-notch performance with “The Wolves”: the action thriller with Brad Pitt and George Clooney attracted many new customers to Apple. The iPhone company was so excited about this collaboration that it announced shortly after release that there would be a “Wolves 2” – and Watts was actually already working on it. But no more: the director announced that he no longer trusts Apple and has already transferred the advance amount back.
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The director canceled himself
It is unusual in Hollywood for such a dispute to become public – such differences are usually settled quietly. Watt’s approach is similarly surprising, because with TV+ Apple is actually considered a good working environment for stars – thanks also to its high budgets. However, in this case, according to reports, there were apparently multiple areas of conflict at the same time trade journal deadlinesWatts said that Apple did not stop “Wolves 2”, they canceled the project themselves.
This is because Apple had significantly reduced its cinema plans for the film without informing them in time. Watts said he learned about it from the media less than a week ago. At the same time, Apple included the information in the “Wolves” announcement that there would be a second film starring Watts. However, he himself told Apple not to do so. “I was completely shocked and told them to please not publish the news that I was writing a sequel.”
Apple ditches cinema plans
“Wolves” launched on Apple TV+ in late September after the film had a very short and limited run in theaters. There was no international screening, although it was initially planned. Apple released “Wolves” in theaters only as long as it was necessary to compete for film awards such as the “Oscars.” However, Watts hoped for a regular theatrical release. “They ignored my request (not to mention the sequel) and announced it in their press release anyway, apparently to put a positive spin on their streaming pivot. And so I got that money. is what they quietly gave me for the sequel,” Watts said in a statement.
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“Wolves” Trailer on Apple TV+ (Video: Apple).
The director further said that he remained silent initially so that the beginning of the film would not be jeopardized. “I didn’t want to create negative press.” Watts said he loved working on “Wolves” – especially working with Pitt and Clooney and the rest of the cast. “But the truth is that Apple didn’t cancel ‘Wolves,’ it was me who did it because I no longer trusted (Apple) as a creative partner.” Apple has not yet commented on the incident. However, Deadline sources close to the company said they consider the film a success and are still interested in a sequel – but perhaps not with Watts.
(B.Sc.)
