Formula 1 News: Pitt puts a hold on F1 movie filming (2nd Update)

Brad Pitt has been forced to axe tens of millions of dollars worth of footage from the big budget F1 movie in a row over sponsorships.

He had spent the first half of the F1 season shooting at Grand Prix events around the globe for the blockbuster, before the actors’ strike put the production in the pits.

But now that they have picked up work on it again, the sponsorships have all changed, which means they can no longer use a large amount of the scenes they had already shot.

The disastrous scenario is a devastating blow to co-producers Jerry Bruckheimer and British racing legend Lewis Hamilton.

A source said: “It really is a nightmare for Brad and the team.

“A lot of events had been earmarked for filming throughout the year which would have helped reduce costs rather than having to recreate high-speed moments and wide shots.

“However, with all the sponsors changing it now makes the footage defunct.

“It’s gutting for Brad and Lewis who see this project as their baby.

“Apple Studios, who are helping make the film, are far from impressed but at the end of the day, there isn’t a lot they can do.”

(GMM) The Hollywood writer’s strike has set back production on the Formula 1 feature film starring Brad Pitt.

Production kicked off earlier in 2023, but then slowed and finally stalled amid the strike. But the strike has now ended and Reuters claims a big rush is now on “to get film and TV sets humming again”.

Ekstra Bladet newspaper, meanwhile, reports that the F1 film’s producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Joseph Kosinski were at the US GP in Austin recently “to update the teams and their drivers” about the situation.

And the Danish publication concludes that the delay “means the production won’t be able to film the Las Vegas scenes until the 2024 season”.

“The film is expected to be ready for cinemas by 2025,” claims correspondent Alexander Wohlk.

Brad Pitt is stopping filming for his new blockbuster Apex to show support for the current strikes by Hollywood actors and writers.

The screen star is supporting the walk-out by actors’ union the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), and has cancelled the production for now.

A source said: “Brad is arguably one of the nicest guys in Hollywood and this move seals that reputation.

“He has been filming Apex, his new Formula 1 film, for the past few weeks but has now pulled the plug.

“Brad agreed that they would finish shoots booked in but has postponed planned production over the next two months.

“The cast and crew of Apex have been filming in Budapest but Brad has called for the future dates to be put back, in solidarity with everyone striking.

“Everyone has been informed that there will be a two-month hiatus now.

“Conversations about when to start up again are ongoing but it’s likely it will be in November when they will be going to Las Vegas to shoot some scenes.

“Postponing the production was a massive call, especially financially, but Brad has listened to the concerns of the people he works with and wants to show his support.”