Apple Original FIlms’ action-comedy “Wolfs” will premiere directly on Apple TV+ in France on September 27, skipping a theatrical release since the territory’s windowing rules do not allow productions to be for a week in cinemas before going onto a platform. Films released in French cinemas must wait 17 months before heading to streaming.
“Wolfs,” which stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt as professional fixers forced to work together on a high-profile crime, was slated for a wide release via Sony Pictures after its world premiere as the closing film of the Venice Film Festival. Last week Apple announced it is scaling back the global cinema release to just one week, opening on September 20 before streaming globally on Apple TV+ from September 27.
“Wolfs” is written and directed by Jon Watts who also produces with Dianne McGunigle, Smokehouse Pictures and Plan B Entertainment. Watts is working on a sequel for Apple Original Films. The story follows Clooney’s character, a professional fixer hired to cover up a high-profile crime. But when a second fixer (Pitt) shows up and the two “lone wolves” are forced to work together, they find their night spiraling out of control in ways that neither one of them expected.
Different streaming platforms have negotiated different theatrical windows in France. The window for France pay-TV giant Canal+ is set at six months, while Netflix has secured a window of 15 months. Other streamers including Apple, Disney+ and Max are subject to the 17-month wait. Last year Apple opted to hold off streaming Martin Scorsese’s Killers Of The Flower Moon to allow for a French theatrical release via Paramount Pictures.
Although France’s windowing rules are subject to a revamp in 2025, plans to resume talks between government officials, broadcasters and streamers continue to be postponed amid shake-ups within France’s government and major film organisations including the CNC.
In October, another Apple Original title, Steve McQueen’s Second World War drama “Blitz,” will world premiere as the opening-night gala of the BFI London Film Festival before a North American premiere to close the New York Film Festival. Outside of France, Apple has confirmed it will release the film in limited cinemas before streaming globally on Apple TV+ from November 22.