Bruckheimer Confirms F1 Movie Sequel Talks with Lewis Hamilton

Jerry Bruckheimer has revealed that he met with seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton to discuss potential ideas for a sequel to "F1: The Movie." This initial discussion indicates early planning for another installment following the original film's significant box office success.

Why it matters:

The original "F1: The Movie," which grossed around $630 million worldwide and is Apple Studios' highest-grossing film, brought the high-stakes world of Formula 1 to a global audience. A sequel, particularly with Lewis Hamilton's continued involvement, could further amplify the sport's reach and popularity, drawing in new fans while retaining existing ones.

The Details:

• Initial Discussions: Producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed to Forbes that he met with Lewis Hamilton a few weeks ago in London to brainstorm ideas for a sequel.
• Original Film's Success: The first movie, featuring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris as drivers for the fictional APXGP team, became Apple Studios' top-grossing film.
• Audience Reception: Bruckheimer noted that at recent screenings, approximately 80% of attendees were first-time viewers, with the remaining 20% having seen it multiple times, highlighting its broad appeal beyond traditional F1 fans.
• Hamilton's Role: Lewis Hamilton was an executive producer for the first film and made a cameo appearance. He emphasized the importance of not rushing a sequel, stating, "Most sequels are way worse, and so we don't need to rush it. I think if we do do a sequel, I would say let's really, really take our time in getting it even better."

Between the lines:

Hamilton's cautious approach to a sequel underscores a commitment to quality, aiming to avoid the common pitfalls of follow-up films. His deep involvement, from executive producing to providing insights from his racing career, is crucial for maintaining authenticity and high standards, which resonated well with F1 enthusiasts and general audiences alike.

What's next:

While still in the very early stages of conceptualization, the confirmation of talks between Bruckheimer and Hamilton suggests that a sequel is a strong possibility. The focus will likely be on developing a compelling storyline that builds on the success of the first film, ensuring it delivers the same blend of emotion, entertainment, and motorsport action.