“F1” Sequel Already Heading Into Development?

Apple
The theatrical release of Brad Pitt-led racing drama “F1” has been a smash hit for Apple Studios, the title taking in an opening weekend worldwide gross of over $146 million against a reported budget of around $200-300 million.

Combined with a very positive reception from critics and audiences, it has led to talk of a potential sequel already. In an analysis piece at Variety breaking down the film’s success, the trade says “gears are turning on a potential sequel” according to “knowledgable sources”.

The report follows comments made by the film’s director Joseph Kosinski who recently talked with GQ about the film’s mid-credits scene and how it set up the possibility of “F1 2”:

“That’s up for the audience to decide. I think we leave it on a really open-ended moment for Sonny, for Kate [played by Kerry Condon], and for Joshua. So yeah, I think there’s certainly more to tell of the APXGP team, and where Sonny Hayes goes from here. But that’s not my decision.”

Kosinski helmed the film from a script by Ehren Kruger. Javier Bardem, Damson Idris, Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, Shea Whigham and Sarah Niles co-starred along with appearances from real-life Formula One racers.

More immediate will be how this will impact Apple’s strategy for cinema releases moving forward with the title seen as a much needed win for the company following a series of underperforming auteur-driven fare like “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Napoleon,” “Argylle,” and “Fly Me to the Moon”.