Brad Pitt in his recent high-octane racing film, F1.
Brad Pitt’s high-octane racing film F1 has roared into theatres with an impressive $55.6 million domestic opening, giving Apple its first genuine box office hit. The big-budget film, directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski, also raked in $88.4 million from 78 international markets, pushing its global tally to $144 million in just three days.
Brad Pitt’s Racing Drama Breaks New Ground
F1 follows Pitt as a retired Formula One legend who returns to mentor a rising star, played by Damson Idris. It’s a character-driven sports drama that stands apart from the usual franchise-heavy fare. Audiences responded positively, giving it a solid “A” CinemaScore and flocking to premium screens. IMAX formats alone brought in $27.7 million globally — about 19% of the total gross.
This marks a milestone for Apple, which financed the nearly $250 million production but had yet to achieve commercial success with its previous theatrical ventures. The film was distributed by Warner Bros., which will receive a share of the box office revenue.
Apple’s First Real Box Office Victory
Apple has invested heavily in feature films, backing critically acclaimed titles like Killers of the Flower Moon, Napoleon, and Oscar-winner CODA, but none were outright profitable in theaters. With F1, Apple finally has a film that resonates with mass audiences and achieves blockbuster status.
Jamie Erlicht, Apple’s head of worldwide video, credited the film’s success to the vision of the filmmakers and cast. “We’re thrilled by the global response to F1,” he said. “This film captures the energy and emotion of motorsport in a cinematic way audiences love.”
Authentic Racing Experience Draws Crowds
What helped F1 stand out was its realism. Filmed on actual Formula 1 circuits using IMAX cameras, the movie delivered edge-of-your-seat race sequences. Brad Pitt even drove real F1 cars, hitting speeds over 180 mph across circuits in Silverstone, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who co-produced the film, and Jerry Bruckheimer ensured every detail mirrored the real F1 world. Their efforts paid off, with fans flocking to theatres for the immersive experience.
Imax CEO Rich Gelfond noted, “With the most realistic racing scenes ever, F1 demands the Imax experience — and the audience clearly agreed.”
M3GAN 2.0 Stalls at the Starting Line
While F1 took pole position, M3GAN 2.0 failed to replicate the original’s success. The horror sequel earned just $10.2 million in its opening weekend and $17 million globally. Despite a “B+” CinemaScore and modest $25 million budget, its debut fell far short of the original’s $45 million global opening.
Analysts believe the concept may have lost its novelty. “Fans aren’t seeing anything new,” says box office expert David A. Gross. “The original M3GAN felt fresh. The sequel struggles to recapture that.”
With a spinoff, Soulm8te, planned for 2026, the weak performance of M3GAN 2.0 could spell trouble for the budding franchise.
Other Films Try to Keep Up
Universal’s How to Train Your Dragon dropped to second place, adding $19.4 million in its third weekend. It has now grossed $200.5 million domestically and $454.5 million globally.
Pixar’s Elio slipped into third with $10.7 million, a 49% drop from its already lacklustre debut. With only $73 million earned worldwide against a $150 million budget, Elio may become one of Pixar’s biggest flops.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch live-action remake continues to thrive. Now at $946 million globally, it’s on track to become the first billion-dollar hit of the year. A sequel is already in development.
Zombie Sequel Falters
Sony’s 28 Years Later fell hard in its second weekend, dropping 68% to earn just $9.7 million. With $103 million globally and a $60 million budget, its future looks uncertain.
The Checkered Flag Goes to Apple
F1 has not only delivered a thrilling cinematic experience but also a business breakthrough for Apple. The film’s mix of star power, realism, and high-stakes drama has proven to be the right formula. As competitors stall, Brad Pitt’s F1 accelerates toward box office glory.
