F1 Movie Sequel Talks Underway with Lewis Hamilton After $630M Box Office Success

Following its impressive $630 million global success, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed a meeting with seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton to explore ideas for a sequel to “F1: The Movie.” The original film, featuring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris as fictional APXGP drivers, has become Apple Studios' highest-grossing film to date.

Why it matters:

The original “F1: The Movie” significantly broadened Formula 1's appeal, drawing in new audiences beyond traditional motorsport fans. A sequel, especially with Hamilton's continued involvement, could further cement F1's cultural footprint and attract even more viewership, leveraging the sport's burgeoning popularity.

The Details:

• Sequel Discussions: Jerry Bruckheimer revealed to Forbes, "We met with Lewis Hamilton a couple of weeks ago, and started talking about some ideas." This indicates the early stages of planning for a follow-up film.
• Box Office Hit: The first film, released in June, grossed approximately $630 million worldwide, making it Apple Studios' most successful film.
• Hamilton's Role: Hamilton was an executive producer for the original movie and made a cameo appearance. His continued input is considered crucial for maintaining authenticity and appeal.
• Audience Reception: Bruckheimer noted the film's broad appeal, stating, "80% of the hands go up, and it's unbelievable. The other 20% have seen it several times." He emphasized its emotional and entertaining qualities, dispelling notions that it's only for F1 enthusiasts.
• Hamilton's Caution: While open to a sequel, Hamilton previously expressed a desire for a meticulous approach, stating in July, "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."

The big picture:

The original film's success highlights the growing mainstream interest in Formula 1, partly fueled by popular media like Netflix's "Drive to Survive." A successful sequel, particularly with Hamilton's insights, could further bridge the gap between sports entertainment and cinematic storytelling, bringing F1 to an even wider global audience.

What's next:

While no official production timeline has been announced, the discussions between Bruckheimer and Hamilton suggest that a sequel is a strong possibility. The focus will likely be on developing a script that can surpass the original's quality, aligning with Hamilton's desire for a carefully crafted follow-up. Hamilton's recent move to Ferrari, though challenging this season, could also provide new narrative angles or behind-the-scenes insights for future cinematic ventures, should he choose to share them.