Tom Holland’s Spider-Man movies have brought immense success to Marvel ever since the character was introduced in the MCU in 2016. Fans have particularly showered praise over the latest entry in the franchise, Spider-Man: No Way Home. Despite a mid-pandemic release, the movie ended up earning close to $2 billion at the global box office. Having spearheaded the entire trilogy, director Jon Watts was touted by many to take charge of Spider-Man 4 as well. However, the filmmaker instead opted to bid Marvel adieu in favor of other ventures, such as Brad Pitt’s Wolfs.
Jon Watts on why he chose Brad Pitt’s Wolfs over Spider-Man 4
In a recent discussion, Jon Watts clarified his decision to choose Brad Pitt’s Wolfs over helming Spider-Man 4. The 43-year-old director suggested he wanted to pursue a project where he was involved in all creative processes.
While talking to The Hollywood Reporter, Watts recalled his experience of witnessing the massive opening of Spider-Man: No Way Home. “That was such a specific moment in time, and the reaction to that movie was just so unbelievable,” he said. The Cop Car director then highlighted the realization he had following the premiere, stating, “It’s never going to be like this, ever again.”
Having gained worldwide acclaim with his Marvel projects, Jon Watts decided not to return to the MCU for Spider-Man 4. Instead, he directed his attention towards a self-scripted action-comedy titled Wolfs. The renowned filmmaker stated he wanted to lead a movie where he was in complete control. “On the Marvel movies, you split up the work because there’s so much to be done. Rarely do you get the Christopher Nolan opportunity to do all of it,” he explained. On this one, I was like, ‘I want to shoot every single shot,’” Watts added.
Jon Watts then doubled down on the importance of owning a creative entity as part of his reasoning behind passing on Spider-Man 4. “I was just getting started and Marvel came along — and I take full creative ownership over all those films — but Spider-Man is always going to be Stan Lee and Steve Ditko‘s creation,” he said. “This was the chance for me to go back to my voice and my vision and my style. Wolfs is mine, and that’s a really good feeling,” Watts further stated.
Alongside Brad Pitt, Wolfs also features George Clooney as the movie’s co-lead. The film is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on September 20.
