"Lone Wolves" sequel scrapped: Watts cites lack of trust

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 one-week run in theatres, after which they quickly moved the CAD 270 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 that he returned the money he had 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 go into wide theatrical distribution before premiering on Apple TV+, but those plans changed. The movie debuted on the platform on September 27th after a limited one-week theatrical release in the US. In other countries, the production went straight to streaming, becoming the most expensive television movie in history.

Pitt and Clooney were set to receive CAD 47 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 refuted claims of significant payments, stating that the figures were substantially lower and expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome. He explained that he and Brad had reduced their salaries to make it possible despite encountering some challenges along the way, which he acknowledged as part of the process. While he found the situation regrettable, Clooney emphasized that the film would still reach a wide audience, with a premiere in several hundred theatres. However, he admitted that a broader release would have been ideal.

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, an incomplete script, and little humour.