Did Clooney-Pitt earn $35M each for 'Wolfs'? Here's the truth
What's the story
George Clooney has dismissed reports claiming that he and co-actor Brad Pitt were paid a whopping over $35M each for their roles in the upcoming film Wolfs. Speaking at a press conference during the Venice Film Festival, Clooney quipped that the actual figures were "millions and millions and millions of dollars less" than what was reported in "an interesting article" by The New York Times.
Industry impact
'It's bad for our industry if that's what people think...'
Clooney expressed concern that such inflated salary reports could set unrealistic expectations. "I am only saying that because I think it's bad for our industry if that's what people think is the standard bearer for salaries. I think that's terrible, it'll make it impossible to make films," he said. Clooney's remarks come in the wake of last year's Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which highlighted the issue of low pay in Hollywood.
Twitter Post
Take a look at this clip here
Earlier today at a Venice press conference, George Clooney spoke about his and Brad Pitt’s rumored salaries for #Wolfs.
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) September 1, 2024
Clooney emphasized “it’s millions, and millions, and millions of dollars less than what was reported” #Venezia81pic.twitter.com/8HeVCE1jaV
Movie details
'Wolfs' plot and premiere details
Written and directed by Jon Watts (Spider-Man), Wolfs features Clooney and Pitt as rival fixers hired to conceal the same high-profile crime. They are forced to collaborate as the situation becomes increasingly chaotic. The movie also stars Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, and Poorna Jagannathan. The film received a standing ovation lasting over five minutes at its world premiere in Venice on Sunday.
Release concerns
Clooney disappointed with limited theatrical release
Meanwhile, Clooney also expressed disappointment over Apple's decision to give Wolfs a "limited theatrical release" on September 20, before its premiere on the streaming platform on September 27. "Yes, we wanted it to be released [in theaters]," he said, acknowledging the challenges faced by the industry in navigating the post-COVID-19 landscape. Despite these concerns, Apple has already approved a sequel to Wolfs.