Brad Pitt F1 Film Could Be One Of the Most Expensive Ever Made
I don't think it's any secret that Formula 1 is an expensive sport (for the teams and the fans), so maybe it shouldn't shock us that making a movie about it costs a ton of money too.
It just might be a little surprising how much money is being spent on the still-in-the-works and untitled F1 movie starring Brad Pitt.
The film — which has Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski behind the camera with Hollywood legend Jerry Bruckheimer and seven-time F1 champ Lewis Hamilton serving as producers — has been in development for a couple of years at this point.
Last summer, Pitt was on hand to shoot some scenes during the British Grand Prix, but there haven't been too many updates on the film's status save for the occasional on-set photo that comes out.
However, a report from Puck which focuses on Apple Studios' film endeavors claims that the film's budget has ballooned to over $300 million. This puts its budget on par with blockbuster films like 2016's Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice.
That's more than twice the amount of money actual Formula 1 teams are allowed to spend for a single season, and they haven't even nailed down a distributor for the movie yet.
Brad Pitt and co-star Damson Idris filming at the British Grand Prix 2023 at Silverstone in 2023. (Photo by Tim Goode/PA Images via Getty Images)
F1 Authenticity Comes At A Price
One reason that the price tag is so high is the numerous production delays and the fact that they're trying to shoot the film with actual F1 cars.
I think that is what's going to make this movie pretty damn cool, but think about what a nightmare that has to be. If they didn't get a shot they needed at the British Grand Prix, they'd have to wait a full calendar year for another crack at it. Unless they want to fake it and risk the authenticity that they're going for.
It'll be fascinating to see how this pans out. Personally, I'd go to a theater to see two hours of F1 car glamor shots, but a lot of people won't. This movie is going to have to be incredible to make back that kind of money (especially since the marketing will probably be pretty aggressive too).
If it doesn't, this could easily turn into one of the biggest bombs in Hollywood history.