Apple Original Films to Stream ‘Wolfs’ in France Directly, Skipping Theatrical Release

Apple Original Films has decided to send Jon Watts’ action-comedy Wolfs straight to streaming in France, skipping a theatrical release due to the territory’s windowing rules.

France’s Window Rules

Films released in French cinemas must wait 17 months before heading to Apple TV+. This is in contrast to other streaming platforms, such as Netflix, which has secured a window of 15 months, and Canal+, which has a window of six months.

Wolfs, which stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt, was originally slated for a wide release via Sony Pictures after its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. However, Apple announced last week that it would be scaling back the global cinema release to just one week, opening on September 20 before streaming globally on Apple TV+ from September 27.

The film was also set to be released in France on September 18 via Sony, but Apple confirmed to Screen that the release has been cancelled and Wolfs will instead stream on Apple TV+ from September 27.

The Future of Windowing Rules in France

France’s windowing rules are subject to a revamp in 2025, but plans to resume talks between government officials, broadcasters, and streamers continue to be postponed due to shake-ups within France’s government and major film organizations.

In October, another Apple Original title, Steve McQueen’s Second World War drama Blitz, will world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival before a North American premiere at 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.

The company did not confirm its plans for the title’s release in France, but it looks poised to follow a similar straight-to-streaming path.

Conclusion

Apple Original Films’ decision to stream Wolfs in France directly, skipping a theatrical release, highlights the complexities of windowing rules in the country. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these rules change and how they impact the film industry.

FAQs

Q: Why is Apple Original Films releasing Wolfs directly to streaming in France?

A: Apple is releasing Wolfs directly to streaming in France due to the territory’s windowing rules, which require films to wait 17 months before heading to Apple TV+.

Q: What are the windowing rules in France?

A: The windowing rules in France vary depending on the streaming platform. Netflix has a window of 15 months, while Canal+ has a window of six months. Apple, Disney+, and Max are subject to the 17-month wait.

Q: What other Apple Original titles are being released this year?

A: In October, Steve McQueen’s Second World War drama Blitz will world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival before a North American premiere at the New York Film Festival. The film will be released in limited cinemas before streaming globally on Apple TV+ from November 22.