Blockbuster 'F1' starring Brad Pitt tops North American box office revenue

According to estimates from Apple Original Films, the Brad Pitt blockbuster 'F1' debuted with $55.6 million in North American theaters and $144 million globally over the weekend, easily giving the tech company its biggest opening weekend ever.

F1 is entering summer blockbuster territory for the first time. The project features many members of the production team behind the 2022 box office hit Top Gun: Maverick . Apple is partnering with Warner Bros. to distribute the F1 film, which stars Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and Kerry Condon.

Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes in the movie F1

PHOTO: CJ CGV

While Apple Original Films has had some notable successes in its six years in Hollywood, including the 2021 Oscar-winning film Coda , its theatrical revenue has been mixed.

Failed films like Argylle , Fly Me to the Moon , or Napoleon directed by Ridley Scott and Killers of the Flower Moon by Martin Scorsese attracted more viewers on Apple TV+ than in theaters.

With a production budget of over $200 million, F1 still has many rounds to go before it turns a profit. But for now, the film is moving forward at full speed.

F1 and Brad Pitt create a lot of emotions

“The film’s outstanding debut reflects the excitement and appeal of Formula 1 and the deeply emotional and entertaining story created by the entire cast and creative team. Their dedication and creativity have fueled an unforgettable cinematic experience,” said Zack Van Amburg, Apple’s head of global video along with Jamie Erlicht.

Scene from the movie M3gan 2.0

PHOTO: CJ CGV

Racing movies have often struggled in theaters. Disappointments include Ron Howard's Rush (2013) and Michael Mann's Ferrari (2023). But F1 builds on the Formula 1 fandom that was stirred up by the popular Formula 1: Drive to Survive series. It also relies on director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer of Top Gun: Maverick to deliver a thrilling action adventure for audiences.

Like in Top Gun: Maverick , filmmakers sought excitement by placing IMAX cameras inside F1 racing car cockpits. IMAX and large-format screens accounted for 55% of ticket sales.

Warner Bros. is hoping F1 will do well overseas, where the sport is more popular than in the United States. Warner Bros. distribution chief Jeffrey Goldstein said Brad Pitt is the film’s “secret sauce.” Its $144 million global debut is the actor’s biggest opening ever.

F1 received very positive reviews from critics and an "A" CinemaScore from audiences, suggesting it could hold its own in the coming weeks despite a formidable rival in Universal Pictures' upcoming Jurassic World Rebirth .

Universal's M3gan 2.0 was expected to pose a serious challenge to F1 . However, the sequel to the robot doll movie failed to match the box office performance of the original, which was released in 2022.

M3gan 2.0 grossed $10.2 million at 3,112 theaters in North America against a production budget of just $12 million, finishing fourth at the box office.

The film that has led the box office for the past 2 weeks, How to Train Your Dragon, dropped to second place with 19.4 million USD, surpassing the revenue of 200 million USD in North America in 3 weeks of release.

The animated Elio took in $10.7 million to take third place. The Walt Disney release had a disappointing start to its two-week run with $42.2 million.

F1 marks Brad Pitt's unforgettable performance and is currently showing in theaters in Vietnam, earning 4.7 billion VND, ranking 2nd after Ut Lan: Oan Linh Giu Cua (61 billion VND) in revenue last weekend.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bom-tan-f1-brad-pitt-dong-chinh-dung-dau-doanh-thu-phong-ve-bac-my-185250630084617174.htm