Assuming Formula 1 official backing, a big name like Brad Pitt as leading man, Joseph Kosinski in the director's chair, and the promise of a film that will deliver the thrills of F1 racing in the most realistic manner are not enough to put butts in the seats, Apple Original Films has come up with what's possibly the best movie title.
Since at least 2022, we've been hearing about a super-mysterious Formula One movie from Apple Original Films, one that might star Brad Pitt, arguably still one of Hollywood's most charismatic and popular actors. The initial reports have since been confirmed, and more details have come out, either via the official channels or down the grapevine.
But we still didn't have an official title.
We do know: the Warner Bros. project created by Apple Original Films and Formula 1, and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Pitt's former production company Plan B, and Lewis Hamilton's Dawn Apollo Films, is officially called… *drum roll*… F1. It's not the most original name, to be sure, and many are already pointing that out online, but it is, without a doubt, the most appropriate. It might also be the best bet to get those butts in the seats.
Photo: F1
Unlike other Apple original productions, F1 is dropping in theaters first before it comes to the small screen. As the first official poster also notes, this film was "filmed for IMAX," which is like a nudge to the paying customer that this is how it should be seen. F1 opens in international theaters on June 25, 2025, and two days later, on the 27th, in the U.S.
That's less than a year away and, with the summer blockbuster season already underway, it's perfect timing to launch the promo tour. The bulk of it will be taking place later this year and next spring, but a teaser has been announced for Sunday, July 7. It will be broadcast on the International Feed ahead of the British Grand Prix, a most suitable choice for a film that aims to take viewers into the F1 world unlike any other before.
The movie stars Brad Pitt as retired F1 driver Sonny Hayes, brought out of retirement to train a rookie with plenty of potential, Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. They drive for the fictional APXGP team and all racing scenes were shot during actual GP events, ahead of the main event. The Formula One backing for this production goes beyond lending costumes, cars, or expertise.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Oblivion, Tron: Legacy, and Top Gun: Maverick) on a script by Ehren Kruger, F1 also stars Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia and Samson Kayo.
It has all the right ingredients to become a summer blockbuster with record numbers at the box-office, so the summer release is no coincidence. With a reported budget of $250 million that doesn't even include the millions that will go into promoting it, it needs to be a summer blockbuster.
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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