Lost trust sinks 'Lone Wolves' sequel: Pitt, Clooney out

Watts revealed that the conflict began when Apple unexpectedly changed the film's distribution strategy. Instead of a full theatrical release, the studio opted for a limited week in theaters, after which they quickly moved the $200 million production to the streaming platform. "I was completely shocked and asked them to please not include the news that I was writing a sequel," the director said. "They ignored my request and announced it in their press release anyway, seemingly to create a positive spin to their streaming pivot."

The director was so disappointed with the situation that he returned the money he received for the sequel. "I didn't want to talk about it because I was proud of the film and didn't want to generate any unnecessary negative press," Watts added. "I loved working with Brad and George (and Amy and Austin and Poorna and Zlatko) and would happily do it again. But the truth is that Apple didn’t cancel the Wolfs sequel, I did, because I no longer trusted them as a creative partner."

Three months ago, the sequel was in the plans, and Pitt and Clooney were set to return to their roles. In August, "The Hollywood Reporter" reported on a new deal between Watts and Apple to produce the sequel, and "Deadline" confirmed the involvement of the star duo.

Originally, "Lone Wolves" was supposed to be released in wide theatrical distribution before premiering on Apple TV+, but those plans changed. The movie debuted on the platform on September 27 after a limited one-week theatrical release in the U.S. In other countries, the production went straight to streaming, becoming the most expensive television movie in history.

Pitt and Clooney were set to receive $35 million each for their roles and insisted on a theatrical premiere. However, Apple changed its mind after a series of expensive productions, such as Napoleon, Killers of the Flower Moon, and Argylle, which failed at the box office.

George Clooney dismissed claims of substantial payments, clarifying that the figures were significantly lower and expressing disappointment about the situation. He explained that he and Brad had sacrificed a portion of their salaries to make it happen, though they encountered some hurdles during the process, which he acknowledged as typical. While he found the outcome unfortunate, Clooney noted that the film would still reach a large audience with a premiere in several hundred theaters. However, he admitted a wider release would have been preferable.

Despite the high budget, "Lone Wolves" faced harsh criticism from reviewers. The film was described as chaotic. Siddhant Adlakha from IGN called it "a slick student film from a rich teen who's subsisted on a media diet of early Guy Ritchie." Xan Brooks from "The Guardian" said the director created a movie reminiscent of the meme with two Spider-Men pointing at each other. Robbie Collin from "The Telegraph" described the production as "chaotic," adding, "George Clooney recently complained that Quentin Tarantino doesn't consider him a movie star. If he makes many more films like this, Clooney. If he makes many more movies like this, Clooney will soon prove Tarantino right."

Reviewers agree that Jon Watts relied on the star duo of Pitt and Clooney, presenting a weak plot, incomplete script, and little humor.