Joseph Kosinski's upcoming untitled American sports drama is set to be an intense rollercoaster of emotions, fueled by the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing. Penned by the talented Ehren Kruger (known for Top Gun, Transformers and other blockbusters), produced by the legendary Brad Pitt and Jerry Bruckheimer, the movie promises to be a gripping tale of passion, rivalry, and redemption.
Suggested plot
At the center of the movie lies Sonny Hayes (played by Brad Pitt), once a daring and renowned Formula 1 driver from the glory days of 1990s. However, fate deals him a devastating blow, leaving him with a horrifying crash that shatters not only his car but also his dreams. Forced into early retirement, Sonny struggles to cope with the loss of the adrenaline-fueled existence he once cherished.
Just when it seems like his racing days are over, an unexpected lifeline emerges from an old friend and Formula One team owner (Javier Bardem). This charismatic figure offers Sonny a shot at redemption, reigniting his passion for the sport and urging him to step back into the racing world.
The catch? He must mentor a young and aspiring prodigy, Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris), on the Apex Grand Prix team (APXGP).
With the weight of his own past mistakes and unfulfilled ambitions, Sonny grapples with the responsibility of guiding the talented rookie. As the adrenaline-pumping world of Formula 1 engulfs them both, Sonny must confront his inner demons and find the courage to pass on his hard-earned wisdom to Joshua. The mentor-protégé dynamic is fraught with tension, as Joshua strives to prove himself while Sonny battles his inner demons.
APXGP production
The announcement of the movie in Dec 2021 sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with Brad Pitt headlining as the lead actor and producer. The visionary director, Kosinski, known for his ability to capture riveting action sequences, brings his talents to the racing world. The script by Ehren Kruger ensures a captivating storyline that delves deep into the minds of these complex characters.
The movie potential did not go unnoticed, attracting attention from major studios like the industry stalwarts Sony, Paramount Pictures, Disney, MGM, Universal Studios and streaming giants Netflix, Amazon and Apple. Ultimately, Apple secured the distribution rights in June 2022 in a deal that raised expectations sky-high.
As the casting process unfolded, Damson Idris emerged as the perfect fit for the role of Joshua Pearce, adding another layer of talent to the ensemble. The addition of Kerry Condon and Tobias Menzies to the cast further solidified the film's promise of an outstanding and emotionally charged performance.
In Jul 2023, the cameras started rolling at the iconic Silverstone Circuit (Home of British Motor Racing) in the United Kingdom, coinciding with the 2023 British GP weekend on Jul 8–9. Brad Pitt's presence at the race weekend was a sight to behold, as he immersed himself in the world of racing, driving a modified Formula 2 car equipped with a Formula 1 aero-package. Though not officially part of an Formula One session, Pitt's exhilarating laps showcased his dedication to the role.
During an enthralling interview with Martin Brundle at the 2023 British GP, Brad Pitt confirmed Javier Bardem's portrayal as the captivating team owner, adding further intrigue to the dynamic between the characters.
Production suspension
However, not everything in the movie journey was smooth-sailing. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike caused a temporary halt in production, adding real-life drama to the film's narrative. Yet, like the resilient racers they portray, the team behind the film persevered, determined to bring this thrilling tale to life.
As whispers of the movies title swirled, ESPN initially claimed it to be "Apex," but later retracted the statement, adding an air of mystery to the already highly anticipated project.
With an adrenaline-pumping mix of heart-stopping race sequences, emotional depth, and exceptional performances, this untitled Joseph Kosinski film promises to be a powerful cinematic experience, capturing the essence of Formula One and the human spirit that drives us to reach for greatness.
