ONE of the biggest bidding wars of the year has engulfed Hollywood, The Hollywood Reporter said. Sony, Lionsgate, Apple and Netflix are all vying for a movie package that has George Clooney, Brad Pitt and “Spider-Man: Homecoming” director Jon Watts attached. Amazon, Annapurna, Universal, MGM, and Warner Bros. are also said to be in the mix. Watts will write, direct and produce the thriller with Clooney and Pitt starring. The two A-listers will also produce via their respective production labels, Smokehouse Pictures and Plan B Entertainment. Much of the details are being kept under wraps, but it is understood to tell the tale of two lone wolf fixers assigned to the same job. The package and bidding war has buyers hot and heavy. Clooney and Pitt, two of the most recognizable names and best friends, last starred onscreen together in the “Ocean’s 11” movies, where they showcased their chemistry. They were also seen in the Coen Bros. movie “Burn After Reading.” And the resulting deal could see both land paydays of US$20 million or higher. Watts, meanwhile, could also see a career-high payout and creative freedom enjoyed by few others, depending on the deal struck. The filmmaker has directed the past three “Spider-Man” movies — “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Spider-Man: Far From Home” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” “Far From Home” grossed US$1.1 billion when it was released in 2019, while “No Way Home” hits theaters Dec. 17. He has proved to be a favorite of Marvel Studios, which has put him on a new “Fantastic Four” movie, now in development.(SD-Agencies) | 