F1: The Movie made waves with its $57 million opening weekend, marking a significant moment for both its star-studded cast and the studios behind it. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on Top Gun: Maverick, and co-written with Ehren Kruger, the film follows the journey of Sonny Hayes, portrayed by Brad Pitt. After stepping away from Formula One for three decades, Hayes returns to mentor rookie driver Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris, in an exhilarating ride through the fictional Apex Grand Prix team.
The film’s ensemble cast features Kerry Condon as the team’s technical director, Javier Bardem as the owner, Tobias Menzies as a board member, Kim Bodnia as the team principal, and Sarah Niles as Pearce’s mother. As excitement builds around the original story, a new report suggests that a sequel might be on the horizon. Variety indicates that the quiet buzz around a follow-up has begun, though specifics regarding returning cast or plot remain under wraps.
What This Means For F1: The Movie
Apple Has Its First Box Office Hit
F1: The Movie delivered impressive box office figures, accumulating $57 million domestically and a global total of $146.3 million over its opening weekend. While its budget stretches between $200 and $300 million, signaling a climb before it sees profit, the strong start signals hope for an original film tailored for an adult audience. This success stands out as Apple Studios’ first major commercial triumph in the realm of cinema.
This achievement is particularly crucial for Apple, which has faced challenges in securing box office traction. Despite notable investments in high-profile projects like Killers of the Flower Moon by Martin Scorsese and Ridley Scott’s Napoleon, the studio struggled to find its footing until the arrival of F1: The Movie. Speculation around a sequel hints that Apple may be eager to channel the electric chemistry of Pitt and the dynamic direction of Kosinski once more.
Our Take On The F1: The Movie Sequel
Will Sonny Hayes Race In The Baja 1000?
The film culminates with Sonny Hayes retiring from Formula One racing after clinching victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As he embraces a nomadic lifestyle, the ending hints at his preparation for the Baja 1000â€â€a grueling off-road race famous in the motorsport community. The post-credits sequence teasingly showcases Sonny in an off-road vehicle, igniting curiosity on whether this moment could set the stage for a sequel.
While there was some debate on the significance of this scene, the recent news suggests that fans may indeed see Sonny Hayes back in action, possibly battling it out in the Baja 1000, a race renowned for its intensity and competition.
F1: The Movie is currently playing in theaters, captivating audiences worldwide.
Source: Variety