Apple TV+ signs George Clooney, Brad Pitt for theatrical movie

George Clooney and Brad Pitt are to star in a thriller movie for Apple TV+, and their deal reportedly required a theatrical release before streaming.

The latest major motion picture deal for Apple TV+, following "Emancipation," and "Raymond and Ray," is an as-yet untitled thriller from writer/director Jon Watts. The only plot details known are that the film concerns two "lone-wolf fixers" who are assigned to the same job.

According to Deadline, Apple beat six other studios, Universal, Warner Bros, MGM, Sony, Lionsgate, and Annapurna. It also beat out streaming rivals Amazon and Netflix.

It's not known what Apple bid for the film. However, Deadline says that between them, Clooney and Pitt turned down an eight-figure sum in favor of a deal that ensured a "robust" theatrical release.

Previously, Apple is believed to have spent $70 million on the Tom Hanks movie "Greyhound", and a record $120 million to buy "Emancipation."

Apple's most recent high-profile film acquisition was "Killers of the Flower Moon." That will be streamed under the Apple Original banner, but Paramount will distribute it in theaters first.