'F1 The Movie' becomes Brad Pitt’s highest-grossing film ever

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In a stunning victory for Hollywood’s latest venture into motorsport, F1 The Movie, starring Brad Pitt, has officially overtaken World War Z as the actor’s highest-grossing film.

Since its global release on June 25, the high-octane drama has roared past $545 million at the worldwide box office, edging out the $540 million earned by World War Z in 2013.

This milestone marks a significant achievement for Pitt, whose career-defining roles in films like Inglourious Basterds, Fight Club, and Seven have never reached this level of commercial success.

A Winning Formula for Audiences

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun: Maverick, and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer with significant input from co-producer Lewis Hamilton, F1 The Movie has captured the imagination of both racing enthusiasts and casual moviegoers.

By placing the sport of Formula 1 at the heart of its narrative, the film has resonated widely, earning a spot as the eighth-highest-grossing movie of the year globally.

It trails only behind blockbusters like Ne Zha II, Lilo and Stitch, Minecraft, Jurassic World, How to Train Your Dragon, Mission: Impossible, and Superman.

The film’s ability to blend high-speed action with Pitt’s magnetic performance has fueled its broad appeal.

A Win for Apple and a Signal for What’s Next

Apple Original Films is celebrating its success as well. F1 The Movie has become the most commercially successful title in the company’s catalog, surpassing Ridley Scott’s Napoleon ($218 million) and Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon ($157 million).

While no sequel has been confirmed, speculation is already brewing. Hamilton, who played a pivotal role behind the scenes in shaping the film's authenticity, urged fans to stay grounded.

Read also: Brad Pitt reveals real-life F1 tragedy behind 'F1 The Movie' character

“For the moment we will have to enjoy what is in the cinemas,” he said.

Whether or not F1 The Movie becomes the launchpad for a larger franchise, one thing is clear: Hollywood’s embrace of Formula 1 has never been stronger, and Brad Pitt has crossed the finish line with one of the defining box office triumphs of his career.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.