Apple Studios has cut “Wolfs” down to one week in theaters.
Two enormous movie stars — George Clooney and Brad Pitt — star in the buddy comedy from “Spider Man” director Jon Watts. But “Wolfs” will be sent to the Apple streaming platform after 7 days in movie houses.
There will never be a box office report, because streamers don’t report numbers.
Apple issued this news couched as secondary to the idea that they’ve greenlit a sequel to “Wolfs.” A sequel? To a movie that won’t be strong enough to have a theatrical run?
This is trouble, no matter how you slice the Apple.
The seven day run just barely covers Oscar eligibility, although that seems unlikely given this news.
What could have gone wrong here? Even if it’s just a popcorn pleaser, “Wolfs” should be able to attract an audience to theaters.
One problem might be the concept: there are no women or romantic interests for these two leading men. It sounds like “Butch Cassidy” without Katherine Ross. Or more like “Lethal Weapon” without Renee Russo and Darlene Love.
Apple is also apparently doing this one week in theaters thing with Steve McQueen’s “Blitz.” Set in World War II London, “Blitz” stars Saoirse Ronan and Harris Dickinson — two hot young actors — and The Jam’s’ Paul Weller — a great rock star — in his film debut.
McQueen won Best Picture for “12 Years a Slave” but can’t have a movie in theaters for more than a week?
If only a Marvel character could have been in these films! It’s really a new world.
