Clooney and Pitt’s “Wolfs” Steals the Show at Venice Film Festival with Rousing Ovation

In a captivating display of camaraderie and star power, George Clooney and Brad Pitt lit up the Venice Film Festival with the premiere of their latest action-comedy, “Wolfs.” Embracing a longstanding partnership of 23 years, the beloved duo received a thunderous ovation lasting five minutes and 35 seconds, showcasing the audience’s excitement within the grand Sala Grande. As the credits rolled, the charismatic pair took a whimsical turn, dancing to Sade’s sultry hit, “Smooth Operator,” while joyously greeting adoring fans, reveling in their moment of triumph alongside fellow stars like Cate Blanchett and Benedict Cumberbatch, who expressed their admiration from the audience.

While Clooney and Pitt basked in the spotlight, a shadow loomed with the absence of their writer-director Jon Watts, who fell ill with COVID-19 despite making the journey to Venice. Clooney poignant yet lightheartedly shared with the press about Watts’ unfortunate circumstance, revealing the challenges that unfolded prior to the film’s grand reveal.

“Wolfs” revolves around a gripping tale where Clooney plays a seasoned fixer tasked with concealing a notorious crime. However, when Pitt’s character—a fellow fixer—enters the scene, the duo finds themselves clashing and collaborating erratically, leading to an unpredictably chaotic night that entwines their fates in hilarious and unforeseen ways.

Originally set for a sweeping theatrical debut, the film’s release strategy evolved after Apple Original Films secured global distribution, shifting to a limited theatrical release on September 20, followed by a global streaming release on Apple TV+ on September 27. Clooney and Pitt expressed their disappointment over this change but acknowledged the broader implications of streaming platforms, emphasizing that the film would still reach a substantial audience.

Reflecting on their collaboration, Pitt emphasized their pursuit of the perfect project to reunite on-screen, citing how age has heightened his desire to work with those he cherishes. “It’s essential to find something that adds value to our collaboration and brings back the joy of working together,” he mused, noting the importance of community in their creative endeavors.

Produced by a talented team including Grant Heslov, Dede Gardner, and others, and executive-produced by Michael Beugg, “Wolfs” stands poised to charm audiences with its blend of gripping narrative and comedy, affirming that even in the face of unexpected twists, collaboration reigns supreme in Hollywood’s magical realm.