In December 2021, Jon Watts found himself amidst an electrified audience at the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard during the premiere of ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. The atmosphere was extraordinary—fans were standing, screaming, and even crying, marking a significant moment in cinema as one of the first major studio releases post-pandemic. This overwhelming reaction, even for a superhero film, was a spectacle in itself.
Reflecting on that night, Watts realised, “It’s never going to be like this, ever again.” The film’s subsequent success, grossing nearly $2 billion worldwide and becoming one of Marvel’s top-grossing films, solidified its impact. Yet, despite the triumph, Watts made the bold decision to step away from directing a fourth Spider-Man film and later exited another Marvel project, ‘Fantastic Four’.
Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter
Leaving behind a successful franchise is never easy, especially in Hollywood, where walking away from a hit can be career-threatening. However, Watts felt it was time to pursue an original concept he had been contemplating for years. Inspired by classic films like the French crime thriller Le Samouraï and the buddy comedy ‘Midnight Run’, Watts decided to take a risk with an action-comedy he scripted himself, titled ‘Wolfs’.
Watts’ idea was straightforward yet intriguing: “For these two too-cool-for-school guys, what would burst their bubble more than meeting someone that’s basically exactly like them?” In a Hollywood landscape dominated by IP-driven projects, Watts knew his concept needed star power to succeed. He envisioned only two actors who could simultaneously embody the roles of the coolest guys in the room while being willing to poke fun at themselves—George Clooney and Brad Pitt.
Image Courtesy: People
Preparing to pitch the idea to Pitt, Watts was both nervous and exhausted. He had spent a sleepless night before the meeting, anxious about pitching to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. When Pitt appeared on the screen, Watts was ready to deliver his carefully crafted pitch. However, Pitt quickly cut him off, saying, “Two fixers. Same job. I get it, man.” Surprised, Watts offered to explain the concept further, but Pitt declined, revealing that Clooney had already filled him in on the details.
The entire pitch experience turned out to be an elaborate joke between Clooney and Pitt, two long-time friends and collaborators. Watts recalls the moment with a laugh, noting how the actors had been “fucking with me from the beginning.” Despite the unexpected twist, the light-hearted exchange set the tone for what would become a highly anticipated project.
‘Wolfs’ represents a significant shift for Watts, allowing him to break free from the constraints of established franchises and explore new creative territory. The film’s development, driven by the chemistry and star power of Clooney and Pitt, promises to deliver a fresh take on the action-comedy genre. For Watts, it’s an opportunity to craft a story that reflects his love for classic cinema while pushing the boundaries of contemporary filmmaking.
As Hollywood continues to churn out superhero blockbusters and sequels, Watts’ decision to pursue ‘Wolfs’ signals a desire for more original content in an industry often dominated by familiar IPs. With Clooney and Pitt on board, ‘Wolfs’ is poised to be a standout film, showcasing the director’s ability to blend humour, action, and character-driven storytelling. For Watts, stepping away from the Marvel universe may have been a risk, but it’s one that could redefine his career and leave a lasting impact on audiences.
-Sushmita Sarkar