Jon Watts explains that he canceled the WOLFS sequel with Apple because he no longer trusts them as a creative partner

Director Jon Wattsbest known for his Marvel Spider-Man trilogy, he left the MCU a few months ago to work on new projects he had in mind. He started that journey with his film Wolveswhich he wrote, directed and produced for Apple TV+.

When he signed on, it was for a deal that would have the film released in theaters, then streamed for fans to watch at home. The film was a huge success, becoming the most streamed film in Apple’s history, and the studio was immediately quick to sign Watts for a sequel. But they missed an important step.

Wolves was a buddy movie about two men in the fixer business, with an all-star cast that included Brad Pitt AND George Clooney. It was original and well made, and had box office success written all over it.

But Apple decided not to give him the big screen opportunity he was promised for fear of not being able to match the box office numbers of other films released in this format. So Watts left, and he explained that choice in an interview with Deadline, in which he explained:

“I showed Apple my final version Wolves earlier this year. They were extremely enthusiastic about it and immediately commissioned me to start writing a sequel. But their last-minute switch from a promised wide theatrical release to a streaming release was a total surprise and happened without any explanation or discussion.

“They didn’t even tell me about it until less than a week before they announced it to the world. I was completely shocked and asked them not to include the news that I was writing a sequel. They ignored my request and announced it in their press release anyway, apparently to create a positive spin on their streaming pivot.

“And so I calmly returned the money they had given me for the sequel. I didn’t want to talk about it because I was proud of the film and didn’t want to generate unnecessary negative press. I loved working with Brad and George (and Amy, Austin, Poorna, and Zlatko) and would happily do it again.

“But the truth is that Apple has not canceled the Wolves followed, I did, because I no longer trusted them as a creative partner.”

It’s pretty clear that Watts had signed a deal, and when Apple didn’t hold up their end of the deal and even failed to discuss the decision with the director, they lost the opportunity to see him return for another hit film. successful film.

It’s really a shame, like Wolves it was a lot of fun and exactly what fans are looking for with original content and solid storytelling. But I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Jon Watts.

He’s a talented writer and director, and he’ll be back to make more films, certainly with a tighter contract next time.