George Clooney and Brad Pitt: The Real Story Behind ‘Wolfs’ and Their $35 Million Salaries

George Clooney and Brad Pitt have been the subject of much speculation and intrigue, especially regarding their latest film, ‘Wolfs.’ Recently, Clooney took the opportunity to clarify a claim made in a New York Times article that he and Pitt were paid $35 million each for their roles in the film. This figure has generated significant buzz and raised eyebrows across the industry. However, Clooney revealed that the reported salaries were grossly exaggerated. In reality, both actors received much less than what was reported, and they even returned portions of their earnings after a theatrical deal fell through. The misrepresentation of their salaries, according to Clooney, could have negative repercussions on the film industry, creating unrealistic expectations and potentially harming future projects.

The film ‘Wolfs,’ an action-comedy starring Clooney and Pitt, premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where the duo shared insights and jokes about the movie during a press conference in Italy. Despite the film’s limited release due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is set to launch on Apple TV+ and will have a restricted theatrical run. Talks of a sequel are already in place, with director Jon Watts having secured a deal with Apple, although it remains unclear if Clooney and Pitt will reprise their roles. The film’s initial plan for a broad cinema release was thwarted, leading to their decision to give back some of their salaries to facilitate the limited release. Clooney expressed disappointment but also acknowledged the importance of streaming services in the current landscape of filmmaking.

The Venice premiere of ‘Wolfs’ was a chaotic yet memorable event. Fans flocked to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood heavyweights, causing delays and disruptions. Despite the chaos, Pitt and Clooney greeted the crowd warmly, signing autographs and taking selfies before being escorted to their seats. The film received a polite four-minute standing ovation, which might have been longer if not for the late start and unruly audience. When the credits rolled, the actors hugged and danced to Sade’s ‘Smooth Operator,’ a moment that captured the camaraderie and chemistry that has defined their on-screen partnership. Clooney also shared a sweet kiss with his wife Amal, adding a touch of romance to the evening.

The film ‘Wolfs,’ directed by Jon Watts, features Clooney and Pitt as professional fixers who must work together on a job. The cast also includes Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, and Poorna Jagannathan. Despite the film’s star-studded lineup and the anticipation surrounding its release, it has received mixed reviews. Critics have praised the charm and chemistry of Clooney and Pitt but found the film lacking in depth and originality. The movie’s tonal inconsistencies and underdeveloped world have been points of contention, with some comparing it unfavorably to classic mob movies and other crime thrillers. The emotional depth of the characters has also been criticized, making the story feel weightless and unengaging.

One of the film’s central themes is the exploration of aging and identity, particularly in the context of traditional masculinity. ‘Wolfs’ dismantles toxic masculinity by showing how Hollywood heroes can age gracefully without becoming caricatures of themselves. This theme resonates with both Clooney and Pitt, who have navigated their careers with a blend of charm, sophistication, and self-awareness. The film’s portrayal of older male leads acknowledges their age and experience, adding a layer of authenticity to their characters. This shift in representation is a nod to how Hollywood has evolved since Clooney and Pitt first starred together in ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ in 2001.

Despite the film’s shortcomings, the chemistry between Clooney and Pitt remains a highlight. Their dynamic is at the core of ‘Wolfs,’ playing on their public personas and real-life friendship. However, the film’s reception has been mixed, with some audience members finding the casting jarring due to their divergent public narratives. The personal histories of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Pitt’s former partner Angelina Jolie debuting her latest project at the same festival, add another layer of intrigue to the film’s premiere. The hashtag #bradpittisanabuser trended on social media after the film premiered, reflecting the complex and often contentious nature of celebrity culture.

The limited theatrical release of ‘Wolfs’ is a point of contention for both Clooney and Pitt. While they appreciate the benefits of streaming services, they also value the traditional cinematic experience. Clooney joked about their declining influence if even big names like them can’t secure a broad cinema release. This sentiment underscores the changing dynamics of the film industry, where streaming platforms have become increasingly dominant. The actors expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work together again and with a talented script, emphasizing the importance of diverse platforms for showcasing different stories and talents.

The film’s exploration of aging and masculinity is complemented by its age-positive writing and casting. The female characters in ‘Wolfs’ are not only age-positive but also subtly sex-positive, with one character exploring her sexuality in a messy and authentic way. This theme of older women boldly exploring their sexuality has been present in other films at the Venice Film Festival, suggesting a potential shift in Hollywood towards more inclusive and feminist narratives. The portrayal of older characters with depth and complexity challenges traditional stereotypes and offers a refreshing perspective on aging and identity.

Director Jon Watts, known for his work on indie crime films and Spider-Man movies, struggled to find the right tone for ‘Wolfs.’ The film’s presentation is tonally off, resembling a crime thriller rather than a farcical comedy. The world of ‘Wolfs’ feels small and underdeveloped, with few other characters and settings that fail to excite. A secondary character is added to the story, but it only serves to give Clooney’s character a few dramatic moments. The film relies on repeating dialogue and overdone plot developments, making it feel like a student film. Despite its flaws, the film will still be released in theaters, but it is unlikely to attract a large audience.

The potential for a sequel to ‘Wolfs’ is already being discussed, with director Jon Watts having a deal in place with Apple. However, it remains unclear if Clooney and Pitt will return for the sequel. The film’s mixed reception and the challenges faced during its production and release may impact the decision to move forward with a sequel. The performances of Clooney and Pitt, while charismatic, are not enough to save the lackluster script. The film’s execution is disappointing, failing to capture the charm and chemistry that defined their previous collaborations in the ‘Ocean’s’ series.

The film’s limited release and the decision to give back portions of their salaries highlight the financial and logistical challenges faced by the production team. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the film industry, leading to changes in release strategies and distribution models. Clooney and Pitt’s willingness to adapt and support the film’s release demonstrates their commitment to the project and the evolving landscape of filmmaking. The importance of streaming services in providing opportunities for actors and showcasing diverse stories cannot be understated, even as traditional cinema experiences remain valued.

In conclusion, ‘Wolfs’ is a film that has generated significant buzz and mixed reviews. The chemistry between George Clooney and Brad Pitt remains a highlight, but the film’s tonal inconsistencies and underdeveloped world detract from its overall impact. The exploration of aging and masculinity adds depth to the narrative, challenging traditional stereotypes and offering a refreshing perspective. The limited theatrical release and the role of streaming services underscore the changing dynamics of the film industry. As Clooney and Pitt navigate their careers and the evolving landscape of filmmaking, their commitment to telling diverse and authentic stories remains unwavering.

Ultimately, ‘Wolfs’ is a film that reflects the complexities and challenges of modern filmmaking. The exaggerated reports of Clooney and Pitt’s salaries, the chaotic Venice premiere, and the mixed critical reception all contribute to the narrative surrounding the film. Despite its flaws, ‘Wolfs’ offers moments of charm and chemistry, anchored by the performances of its lead actors. The film’s exploration of aging, identity, and masculinity resonates with audiences, even as it struggles to find the right tone and depth. As the film industry continues to evolve, the importance of diverse platforms and authentic storytelling remains at the forefront of Clooney and Pitt’s work.