Breaking: 'Wolfs 2' Cancelled as Director Parts Ways with Apple TV+

The highly anticipated sequel to George Clooney and Brad Pitt's "Wolfs" has been officially cancelled following creative differences between director Jon Watts and Apple TV+. The announcement comes shortly after the successful release of the first film, which broke viewing records on the streaming platform.

Behind the Scenes Drama of the Cancellation

During a recent promotional interview for his Disney+ series "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew," director Jon Watts dropped the bombshell that "Wolfs 2" would not be moving forward. In an exclusive interview with Deadline, Watts revealed the complicated situation that led to his decision.

"I showed Apple the final cut of 'Wolfs' in early 2024," Watts explained. "They were extremely enthusiastic and immediately requested a screenplay for the sequel. However, their last-minute decision to shift from the promised wide theatrical release to a digital-only release came as a complete surprise, with no explanation provided."

The Success and Aftermath of the First Film

"Wolfs," which premiered with a limited theatrical run on September 20, 2024, before hitting Apple TV+ on September 27, quickly became the platform's most-watched production to date. The film featured an impressive ensemble cast including:

George Clooney and Brad Pitt as professional fixers in the criminal underworld

Amy Ryan

Austin Abrams

Poorna Jagannathan

Richard Kind

Zlatko Burić

The project was a collaborative effort between Clooney's Smokehouse Pictures and Pitt's Plan B Entertainment, telling an intense story that unfolds over a single night.

The Director's Decision

In a surprising twist, Watts clarified that it was his decision, not Apple's, to cancel the sequel. "I learned about Apple's digital transition plan just one week before they announced it to the world," he stated. "I was completely shocked and requested they hold off on announcing the sequel. However, they ignored my concerns and included it in their press release to put a positive spin on the digital transition. I cancelled the sequel because I no longer trust them as a creative partner."

The director has reportedly returned his payment for the sequel project, underlining the severity of the situation.

What's Next?

While Apple has yet to make an official statement, sources close to the company indicate they still consider the first film a success and remain open to a sequel. The possibility of the project moving to a different platform or continuing with another director remains uncertain.