George Clooney Discusses ‘Wolfs’ and Politics at Venice Film Festival

George Clooney Addresses Press at Venice Film Festival

During a lively press conference at the Venice Film Festival for his latest crime caper, “Wolfs,” George Clooney found himself in the spotlight, not just for the film but for his recent public statements. As he engaged with reporters, one bold journalist posed a question that seemed to echo in the minds of many attendees: “What is the secret to your youthful appearance up close?”

Clooney, ever charming at 63, quickly turned the question into a light-hearted moment, responding with a grin, “That I look so good up close?” While the audience chuckled, it was clear that the real inquiry was not about his movie-star looks, but rather about the political landscape following a significant opinion piece he penned for The New York Times on July 10.

In that essay, Clooney urged President Joseph R. Biden Jr. to step aside as the Democratic nominee, marking one of the most visible instances of Hollywood’s elite questioning Biden’s viability after a challenging debate against Donald J. Trump in June. When the topic of his essay arose during the conference, some journalists even applauded Clooney for his bold stance, but the actor was quick to redirect the praise.

“The person who deserves the applause is the president himself,” Clooney remarked, highlighting what he called a “selfless act” reminiscent of George Washington’s leadership. His comments came in light of Biden’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee in late July. “All the political maneuvering that led us here will fade into obscurity, and rightly so. What should be remembered is the president’s selfless decision,” he added.

As the conversation shifted to the future, Clooney expressed optimism, stating, “I’m incredibly proud of where we are in the world today, a sentiment I believe many share. There’s a palpable excitement for what lies ahead.”

However, the challenges didn’t end with political discussions. As Clooney continued to discuss “Wolfs,” which features him alongside Brad Pitt as rival fixers forced to collaborate to cover up a crime, he faced inquiries about the film’s distribution. Initially set for a broad theatrical release, the film’s debut plan was altered following a string of underwhelming performances from Apple TV+’s recent theatrical releases, including “Argylle” and “Fly Me to the Moon.” This adjustment has led to speculation regarding the future of theatrical releases for streaming platforms.