Brad Pitt is currently in the midst of the production of one of his most expensive films, F1. The film is gearing up to be a thrilling sports action drama, with Pitt in the lead role, with a star-studded cast to support the Mr. & Mrs. Smith alum.
While the promise of an action sports drama has fans excited for what’s to come, there have been some really great moments in actual races that need to make it into the film. In particular, fans are interested in seeing something that rivals Andy Jankowiak’s declaration before his own race.
Andy Jankowiak’s Daytona 500 quote feels like it came out of a prestige action thriller
Andy Jankowiak delivered perhaps one of the most raw lines during his Daytona race, which perhaps wouldn’t have been out of place in an action sports drama of its own, specifically one reviving around another series like Formula One. The race car driver was heard saying:
I’m gonna put my foot on the floor and I’m not lifting until I see god or the checkered flag
Given how poetic and gutsy the line was, there are a few who hope that Brad Pitt’s upcoming F1 can match the caliber of the drivers that it wishes to depict in the film. However, there is a lot riding on this project, especially in light of all the bad press that has come Brad Pitt‘s way in recent years.
F1 is a pretty high-profile project for Brad Pitt
While not a stranger to huge productions, F1 is perhaps one of the most expensive to come out of Apple, which is producing the film along with Warner Brothers. The film has a budget of roughly $300 million (as per Deadline), making it one of the most expensive films ever made. The film has roped in Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski.
The project saw the director team up with other Top Gun: Maverick alums such as Ehren Kruger, who is the film’s scribe, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Apart from Pitt, the film is stacked with a talented cast, among which are Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Javier Bardem.
Additionally, the film is set to star ten Formula One racers as themselves, with Lewis Hamilton even being a producer on the film. The film, as reported by Variety, comes at the heels of the $30 million dollar payout for Brad Pitt, making it one of his biggest films.
F1 could work towards restoring some confidence in Brad Pitt
While Brad Pitt’s film career is nigh spotless, with hits like Fight Club, Inglorious Basterds, and Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, the actor’s personal life has come under public scrutiny in recent years, especially in the wake of his long-running divorce proceedings with Angelina Jolie.
The actress’s lawyer has accused Pitt of some abusive tendencies, not just towards Jolie, but also their children. Pitt, allegedly, has no contact with his now adult children but still holds visitation rights for their younger kids.
With more and more reports painting the picture of distraught man, it is only a matter of time before the actor’s box office numbers are affected by these. Top Gun: Maverick, with the same scribe, director, and producer, was able to generate quite the box office revenue, something they wish to repeat with F1.
It is important that the film does well, given that Pitt’s ability to pull in box office numbers might be the only thing that keeps him from becoming a Hollywood has been. However, it cannot be denied that the star power that the actor has could give his PR a little more bandwidth, but it is difficult to figure out how long that can aid the actor without a hard, by-the-numbers box office success.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s legal dispute seems to carry on without end
As Brad Pitt remains in the UK to shoot F1, being spotted with his now girlfriend Ines de Ramon, his divorce suit with ex-wife Angelina Jolie seems to have no qualms with carrying on. Almost a decade in the making, both sides have not relented in the separation dispute.
People Magazine reported that multiple insiders have spoken about the family’s situation, with them affirming that both Jolie and Pitt care deeply for their kids, but there is enough bitterness in both parties to keep the divorce proceedings going.
F1 is set to hit theatres on June 25, 2025.
