Sony Pictures Entertainment has emerged victorious in a highly competitive bidding war, securing the theatrical distribution rights for two upcoming Apple Original Films. The two projects in question are “Wolfs,” a star-studded feature starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, and “Project Artemis,” which features the talented duo of Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum. This news comes hot on the heels of Apple Original Films’ success with “Napoleon,” directed by Ridley Scott, which has garnered nearly $200 million globally through its distribution partnership with Sony.
A Global Theatrical Window Followed by Streaming Release
Both “Wolfs” and “Project Artemis,” which were developed and produced by Apple Original Films, will receive a global theatrical window before becoming available for streaming worldwide on AppleTV+. Although specific theatrical release dates have not been announced, it is expected that both films may land 2024 release slots. In an industry hungry for new and exciting projects, the anticipation for these highly anticipated releases is palpable.
The deal between Sony Pictures Entertainment and Apple Original Films also marks the return of filmmaker Jon Watts to the Sony Culver City studio. Watts, known for his work on the Spider-Man franchise, including the highly successful “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” has directed “Wolfs” and also served as its writer and producer. The film follows two lone-wolf fixers assigned to the same job and boasts an impressive cast that includes Amy Ryan, an Academy Award-nominee and SAG Award-winner. Meanwhile, Clooney and Pitt, in addition to their acting roles, are also producers of the project. Clooney produces alongside Grant Heslov through Smokehouse Pictures, while Pitt produces alongside Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Dianne McGunigle.
A Stellar Cast for “Project Artemis”
“Project Artemis,” directed by Greg Berlanti and written by Rose Gilroy, is a period piece set against the backdrop of the 1960s space race. The film stars Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, along with an ensemble cast that includes Jim Rash, Ray Romano, Anna Garcia, Donald Elise Watkins, Noah Robbins, Colin Woodell, Nick Dillenburg, Christian Zuber, and Woody Harrelson. Johansson not only stars in the film but also serves as a producer under her production banner, These Pictures. The project is produced by Jonathan Lia, Keenan Flynn, and Johansson, with Sarah Schechter producing for Berlanti Productions. Apple Studios serves as the studio for “Project Artemis.”
Expanding the Apple Original Films Slate
“Project Artemis” and “Wolfs” are the latest additions to Apple Original Films’ growing portfolio. The studio’s lineup includes highly acclaimed titles such as “Killers of the Flower Moon,” directed by Martin Scorsese, which has garnered widespread critical acclaim and landed numerous awards. The film was named the Best Film of the Year by the National Board of Review, one of the top 10 films of the year by the American Film Institute, and the No. 1 Best Film of 2023 by The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The New York Film Critics Circle. Similarly, “CODA,” an Apple Original Film, made history as the first streaming service to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. The studio has also achieved success in the animated category, with “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Short.
Apple Original Films has several highly anticipated projects in the pipeline. One such project is the star-studded spy thriller “Argylle,” directed by Matthew Vaughn and featuring an ensemble cast including Henry Cavill, Sam Rockwell, Bryce Dallas Howard, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, John Cena, Dua Lipa, Ariana DeBose, and Samuel L. Jackson. This highly anticipated film is set to have a theatrical release through Universal on February 2, 2024.
Sony Pictures Entertainment’s partnership with Apple Original Films for the theatrical distribution of “Wolfs” and “Project Artemis” marks yet another significant achievement for both studios. With a global theatrical window followed by streaming releases, these films are poised to captivate audiences worldwide. As the industry eagerly awaits their release, it is clear that Apple Original Films has established itself as a major player in the world of filmmaking, producing critically acclaimed and highly anticipated projects that continue to awe and inspire.