Brad Pitt’s ‘F1’ Hits the Jackpot with $55.6 Million Opening—Can ‘M3GAN 2.0’ Overcome Its $10 Million Struggles?

It’s lights out and away we go! The new racing drama “F1,” featuring Brad Pitt, revved up to a solid $55.6 million in its domestic opening weekend. With glowing reviews and a CinemaScore grade of “A,” it hit exactly what experts expected, which was between $50 million and $60 million. Internationally, it soared to $88.4 million across 78 markets. This is impressive for an adult-themed film that isn’t tied to an existing franchise—something quite rare these days.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for “Top Gun: Maverick,” “F1” tells the story of a retired Formula One driver, played by Pitt, who is lured back to the sport to coach a talented rookie, played by Damson Idris. Jamie Erlicht, head of worldwide video at Apple, expressed excitement over the global response, calling it a testament to the hard work and vision of everyone involved, including seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton.

Apple financed the film with a hefty budget that some estimate is closer to $300 million, including marketing costs. While the company doesn’t have its own distribution arm and pays a fee to Warner Bros. for theatrical release, it isn’t as reliant on box office success as traditional studios. Instead, Apple views films like “F1” as a way to promote its brand and services like Apple TV+. For instance, the film’s trailer featured prominently on its streaming platform, and Apple even offered discounts on tickets through push notifications.

Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, mentioned that the goal isn’t just about boosting iPhone sales. "We’re into storytelling," he said, emphasizing the desire to create great content.

While past Apple films have struggled to gain commercial traction, “F1” has grossed $144 million globally in just three days, putting it on track to become Apple’s highest-grossing film. David A. Gross from FranchiseRe noted that the film’s strong opening is impressive, especially considering the mixed track record of racing dramas.

The film’s authenticity is another selling point. The production used advanced IMAX cameras and filmed on real tracks, capturing speeds over 180 mph. This commitment to realism has drawn audiences, with IMAX screenings accounting for 55% of domestic ticket sales, generating $27.7 million.

As for the competition, Universal’s horror sequel “M3GAN 2.0” had a weaker showing, taking in just $10.2 million in its opening weekend. Despite a modest budget of $25 million, the sequel’s drop from the original raises concerns about its long-term potential. David A. Gross indicated that while there’s nothing particularly wrong with the film, it may struggle to keep audiences engaged.

In contrast, Sony’s “28 Years Later” continues to slide with a steep drop in ticket sales, highlighting the challenging landscape for new releases.

In summary, “F1” is not just a movie; it’s a significant venture for Apple as they explore deeper into the film industry. With its early success, it might pave the way for more ambitious projects in the future. (Source: Variety)

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