Clooney denies $35m salary claims at Venice Film Festival
- George Clooney and Brad Pitt denied reports of their $35 million salaries for the film 'Wolfs' at the Venice Film Festival.
- The film, directed by Jon Watts, was acquired by Apple TV+ and will have a limited theatrical release followed by streaming.
- Clooney expressed concerns about inflated salary figures and their impact on the film industry, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach between streaming and traditional studios.
At the Venice Film Festival, George Clooney and Brad Pitt addressed rumors regarding their salaries for the film 'Wolfs,' denying claims that they were each paid $35 million. Clooney emphasized that the actual figures were significantly lower, expressing concern that such inflated salary reports could negatively impact the film industry. The film, directed by Jon Watts, revolves around two fixers who are mistakenly hired for the same job to cover up a crime. It was acquired by Apple TV+ after a competitive bidding process, although plans for a wide theatrical release were altered to a limited release followed by streaming. Clooney and Pitt expressed disappointment over this change but acknowledged the positive aspects of streaming's rise in the industry. During the press conference, Clooney also discussed the broader implications of streaming on cinema, stating that while the industry needs streaming services, traditional studios still play a crucial role. He noted that the evolving landscape has created more opportunities for actors, although it requires a different approach to curation. Additionally, Clooney addressed his recent New York Times article urging President Joe Biden to step down as the Democratic presidential candidate, praising Biden's selflessness in considering a better path forward for the party. He expressed pride in the current state of the world and optimism for the future, highlighting the importance of leadership and vision in challenging times.