Following the success of Netflix’s Formula 1 documentary series, “Drive to Survive“, Apple has decided to dip its toes in motorsports via an upcoming Formula One movie starring Brad Pitt.
According to Apple, the untitled movie’s plot would center around Pitt as a driver who comes out of retirement to compete alongside a rookie. Key figures linked to the project include Joseph Kosinski, director of “Top Gun: Maverick” a movie staring Tom Cruise. The script writer from the same movie, Ehren Kruger, will be involved in the F1 film.
Kosinski decided to pursue the F1 movie after a meeting with Hamilton that was arranged by Tom Cruise. Interestingly, Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time F1 champion is named as one of the producers of the F1 film. In addition, Apple has a deal to release a Hamilton documentary on its Apple TV+ streaming service.
Speaking of Apple TV+, the upcoming F1 movie will stream exclusively on the service but there will also be a theatrical release which was a key component of the deal between the filmmakers and Apple, according to The Hollywood Reporter. However, the scheduled release date has not been announced.
Brad Pitt and Joseph Kosinski had a previous attempt in working together on a motorsport related film, Ford v Ferrari. The movie was based on the book “Go Like Hell,” retelling Ford’s battle with Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Pitt playing Carroll Shelby. In a surprising change of events, the film ended up being directed by James Mangold and Matt Damon played the star role of Shelby.