The most viewed Apple TV+ movie ever, Wolfs, is no longer getting a sequel. Despite the original’s success, the next installment has reportedly been canceled.
Director Jon Watts says Wolfs 2 is no longer moving forward
George Clooney and Brad Pitt headlined Apple’s most viewed TV+ film ever earlier this fall. Prior to its September release, a Wolfs sequel was announced as being in the works with Jon Watts, the first film’s director, attached to lead the effort.
Now just a couple months later, Watts says Wolfs 2 won’t be moving forward.
While speaking with Collider’s Steve Weintraub while promoting his new Star Wars series, Skeleton Crew…Watts revealed what’s next for him—and what isn’t on the horizon anymore, saying: “I don’t know what I’m directing next, and I don’t think there’s going to be a Wolfs sequel.”
Wolfs 2 seemed doomed from the start, despite original’s success
Wolfs’ sequel always seemed a bit like a long shot.
Yes, the original film was a hit for Apple in terms of viewership. But Apple’s last-minute change to its theatrical plans didn’t bode well for its relationship with the creatives involved.
Originally, Wolfs was set for a wide theatrical launch. But just weeks before its planned release, Apple announced a big shift in strategy.
Rather than going wide in theaters, Wolfs would only get limited theatrical distribution before launching on Apple TV+.
The news was buried in a press release about Apple green lighting a sequel—clearly an attempt to put a positive spin on the bad news.
But it’s been noted before that for Clooney, Pitt, and director Watts, theatrical support was a big factor in the project originally going to Apple. The tech giant’s last minute reversal likely lost it some goodwill with the creative team.
Despite generally having a strong track record with TV shows, Apple has struggled to find a winning strategy with films. Reportedly, the company is now planning on most of its movies going straight to Apple TV+ with only limited theatrical debuts—very similar to Netflix’s playbook. One big upcoming exception is 2025’s F1, which the company hopes can be its first real summer blockbuster.
Update: Watts has now offered further explanation to Deadline, and it’s as suspected:
I loved working with Brad and George…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.
What do you make of Wolfs 2 being canceled? Let us know in the comments.
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