“Good omen” for Apple from blockbuster 'F1' starring Brad Pitt

Entering summer blockbuster territory for the first time, Apple surprisingly had its biggest opening ever thanks to the blockbuster F1 .

Over the past few years, Apple has invested about $1 billion a year in producing movies for theatrical release to attract users to sign up for its online service.

Released in June 2025, the F1 movie starring Brad Pitt is being received with positive feedback from many audiences.

A $145 million global opening for Apple's F1 movie comes as a relief to both the iPhone maker and US cinema operators hoping to create a blockbuster summer hit.

The expensive sports action film, starring Brad Pitt, directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, is “a big gamble” for the California-based tech giant.

The film performed better than expected in the United States and Canada, generating $57 million in ticket sales in its opening weekend, according to studio estimates.

Analysts are predicting a $40-$50 million opening based on pre-release tracking data. Warner Bros. Entertainment is riding a wave of success with its F1 partnership with Apple.

Since the film cost at least $200 million to make after tax breaks and before marketing costs, some experts say it's still a long way from turning a profit. But for now, it's moving full steam ahead.

In the current climate, with positive reviews from audiences and critics - the film received an "A" CinemaScore, the film is likely to continue to perform well in the coming weeks.

However, the film is facing some serious competition, including Universal Pictures' Jurassic World Rebirth and James Gunn's Superman close behind.

Since Apple partnered with Hollywood six years ago and launched Apple TV+, its film slate has come a long way from achieving big-screen success, despite spending big bucks on prestige projects and big talent.

"Ambition to enter the cinema"

Analysts and people working in the film industry say the F1 's performance will greatly influence Apple's decision to participate in the production of blockbuster movies in the near future.

Apple promoted the film through various parts of the company, including its retail stores and its music , fitness, maps, and podcast apps.

Since it doesn't have an in-house theatrical distribution division, the company is outsourcing those tasks to traditional studios.

Warner Bros. has partnered with Apple to market and contribute financially to the campaign, according to people close to the studios.

So far, the audience response to the F1 movie suggests there's still hope for Apple. Like most streaming services, Apple TV+ is devoting more of its budget to TV programming.

Studios say movies that open in theaters will do better on streaming than simply playing on a crowded service.

Apple has built a reputation for quality, particularly with hit TV projects including Jon Hamm's Your Friends & Neighbors, Seth Rogen's The Studio, and more recently, Stick starring Owen Wilson.

"We did a lot of research before we decided to do Apple TV. I know there are a lot of different views on why we got involved. We got involved to tell great stories. We also want it to be a great business. That's why we got involved, it's as simple as that," Cook told Variety.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/nhip-song-so/diem-lanh-cho-apple-tu-bom-tan-f1-brad-pitt-dong-chinh-149198.html