Reportedly, Brad Pitt has had to discard extensive footage from his upcoming Formula One film, Apex, valued at tens of millions. The Academy Award-winning actor, in collaboration with director Joseph Kosinski of Top Gun: Maverick, filmed alongside co-stars Damon Idris and Javier Bardem for the past year. In the movie, Pitt assumes the role of a seasoned Formula One veteran who emerges from retirement to mentor a rising driver portrayed by Idris.
Before the onset of actors’ strikes in July, the film’s stars and producers captured footage at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone to imbue the film with “authenticity” and cost-effectiveness. However, following the resolution of the actors’ strike, it has been alleged that alterations in the film’s sponsorship deals have rendered the previously recorded footage unusable.
As a result, Pitt, who is co-producing the film with Jerry Bruckheimer and Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, purportedly had to discard valuable footage worth tens of millions of pounds, although this claim has been refuted. According to an insider cited by The Sun, the situation poses a significant challenge for Pitt and the team, as several planned events for filming throughout the year, aimed at reducing costs and capturing authentic moments, have been rendered ineffective due to sponsor changes.
The source expressed, “It’s gutting for Brad and Lewis who see this project as their baby. Apple Studios, who are helping make the film, are far from impressed but at the end of the day, there isn’t a lot they can do.”
In response to the reported challenges, a Formula One spokesperson countered the claims, asserting that the movie remains on schedule for its original 2025 release. They emphasized that all footage captured this year remains pertinent, and the film will continue shooting at Grand Prix events in 2024. The spokesperson assured continuity with the 2023 F1 season by capturing footage in 2024 and clarified that there are no alterations to the movie’s sponsors, all of whom remain committed for the project’s duration. Additionally, they mentioned the production’s adaptation to the schedule during the actors’ strike and the intention to film into 2024.
Source: https://www.aol.co.uk/news/brad-pitt-forced-scrap-racing-141718590.html
