## Apple TV+ Scraps “Wolfs” Sequel After Director Cites Broken Trust
Despite “Wolfs” achieving record-breaking viewership on Apple TV+, a sequel to the action-comedy is no longer in the works. Director Jon Watts, in a recent interview with *Deadline*, revealed that he personally terminated the project due to a fractured relationship with Apple. Watts cited a last-minute alteration in the film’s release strategy as the catalyst for his decision.
### A Bridge of Trust Collapses
According to Watts, Apple reneged on a commitment to a wide theatrical release, opting instead for a limited, one-week theatrical run before its streaming debut. This strategic shift, executed without prior consultation with Watts, severely damaged his confidence in Apple as a collaborative partner. The director expressed his dismay at the lack of communication, stating he was informed of the change mere days before the public announcement.
Adding insult to injury, Apple publicly announced the sequel’s development in an August press release, despite Watts’ explicit request to withhold such information. This move, seemingly intended to soften the blow of the altered release strategy, further eroded Watts’ trust. He subsequently returned the funds allocated for the sequel’s development.
### Watts’ Statement: A Director’s Perspective
Watts’ full statement to *Deadline* provides further insight into the situation:
> “Early this year, I presented Apple with the final cut of ‘Wolfs,’ which they received with immense enthusiasm, immediately commissioning a sequel. However, their abrupt shift from a promised wide theatrical release to a streaming-focused approach, executed without explanation or discussion, came as a complete shock. I wasn’t even informed until days before the public announcement. Stunned, I requested they omit any mention of the sequel, a request they ignored, announcing it in their press release regardless, seemingly to mitigate the negative perception of their streaming pivot. Consequently, I quietly returned the sequel’s funding. I refrained from public comment initially, driven by pride in the film and a desire to avoid unnecessary negativity. I cherished collaborating with Brad, George, Amy, Austin, Poorna, and Zlatko, and would gladly work with them again. However, the reality is, I, not Apple, canceled the ‘Wolfs’ sequel, due to a loss of trust in them as a creative partner.”
### The Fallout: What’s Next?
This behind-the-scenes drama, ironically, possesses the makings of an Apple TV+ production itself. “Wolfs,” starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney as “fixers” tasked with concealing a high-profile crime, enjoyed significant success on the platform. The film, also featuring Amy Ryan, leverages the comedic dynamic of two reluctant partners forced to collaborate. Watts, known for his work on the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Spider-Man” trilogy, now faces the aftermath of this creative fallout. The future of potential collaborations between Watts and Apple remains uncertain.
