**Apple’s F1: The Film Sets Box Office Records**
Apple’s bold step into the movie industry is producing impressive outcomes, with “F1: The Movie” reaching a notable achievement by crossing $600 million at the global box office. This amount not only surpasses early projections but also signifies a major accomplishment for the tech giant, which allocated around $250 million for the film’s production.
The film, which recently became available for purchase or rental on video-on-demand services, has not yet revealed a streaming launch date for Apple TV+. It stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a retired racer who guides an up-and-coming driver, portrayed by Damson Idris, within a struggling F1 team, APX GP. The movie was filmed during real F1 races in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, featuring exhilarating racing scenes that have enchanted viewers.
“F1: The Movie” has now established itself as Brad Pitt’s top-grossing film to date, excluding inflation. Apple has promoted it as the most successful original feature of the year, although the film’s classification as an “original” project has generated some discussion due to its connections with the F1 realm. The film has garnered positive reviews, achieving a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and earning the Certified Fresh label.
Apple’s triumph with “F1” is viewed as a potential pivotal moment for its strategy regarding theatrical releases. After shifting away from cinemas, the company has concentrated on creating a limited number of original films aimed at direct streaming. Nevertheless, the strong performance of “F1” might prompt Apple to rethink its stance on theatrical releases, especially as cinema operators are eager for a revival in the sector.
As excitement grows for the film’s eventual arrival on Apple TV+, the company is ready to capitalize on its box office success to draw viewers to its streaming service in the upcoming months.
