Sequel to Brad Pitt's F1 Film Confirmed
Lights out and away we go - again! A sequel to the Brad Pitt blockbuster F1 is officially in development, according to the film's producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who spoke to the BBC.
The original film, co-produced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, has received four Oscar nominations this year, including best picture. Pitt, 62, stars as Sonny Hayes, a veteran driver who returns to the Formula 1 grid with the fictional team APXGP after a lengthy hiatus.
Speculation about a sequel had been ongoing for several months but had not been officially confirmed, including during Apple TV's recent press day where the film is currently streaming.
Speaking to the BBC at the annual Academy Awards luncheon in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Bruckheimer stated:
"We're working on a sequel."
The producer did not provide a timeline for the project nor confirm casting details, including whether Pitt would reprise his role. However, Bruckheimer noted that he would "of course" be involved in casting decisions.
Released last summer, F1 grossed $630 million (£467 million) worldwide, marking it as Apple Original Films' most successful theatrical release to date. The production involved extensive filming during the 2023 and 2024 Formula 1 seasons, with scenes captured at multiple race weekends, including the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Jerry Bruckheimer Reflects on Film's Success and Future Projects
Bruckheimer expressed surprise and delight at the film's awards recognition, particularly its best picture nomination.
He remarked:
"It was a long journey to get the movie made because we had to endure a couple of strikes – but in the end, the movie entertained audiences around the world. I never worked with Brad Pitt before and it's really a thrill to work with Brad."
He also described the annual luncheon as an excellent opportunity to "reminisce" with colleagues he has worked with over the years.
Bruckheimer, who was last nominated at the Academy Awards for Top Gun: Maverick, discussed his busy schedule of upcoming projects. He revealed plans for Heat 2, as well as another Days of Thunder film—the 1990s NASCAR-themed movie originally starring Tom Cruise.
Additionally, he is developing another Top Gun installment and a new film in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Bruckheimer also mentioned a "very interesting" UFO project.
He summarized:
"We've got a lot of things in the hopper. We're just waiting for one of them to get a great script and get it made."
Industry Insights and Future of Entertainment
Last week, Apple TV hosted a press day to discuss upcoming projects. During the event, Apple senior executive Eddie Cue read an audience question regarding a potential F1 sequel. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali responded by advising fans to "stay tuned," adding that there would be more information "in the future," according to media reports from the event.
Bruckheimer also commented on the transitions occurring within Hollywood, including major studio mergers, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), political factors, and production budget cuts.
He expressed optimism about the industry's future, emphasizing the continued demand for live entertainment:
"When they say the theatres are dying, it's because of us. Because we haven't given things that people want to see."
