Brad Pitt Drives ‘F1 The Movie’ to $55.6 Million: Apple’s Biggest Box Office Launch!

The new racing film “F1 The Movie,” starring Brad Pitt, revved up the box office this weekend, earning about $55.6 million in the U.S. and Canada. This unexpected success comes as a relief for Hollywood, which is eager to draw audiences back to theaters this summer.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for “Top Gun: Maverick,” this film exceeded expectations. Analysts predicted a debut of $40 to $50 million, making its performance impressive for a non-sequel racing movie. The film also made a splash internationally, raking in an additional $88 million. However, with a hefty budget of over $200 million, “F1” still needs to significantly boost ticket sales to break even.

This year, only three films have crossed the $500 million mark globally: “A Minecraft Movie,” “Lilo & Stitch,” and “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” Each of these had a stronger domestic opening than “F1.”

Apple TV+ has gained critical acclaim with shows like “Severance” and won an Oscar for “CODA,” but this movie marks its first significant box office success. Earlier films, including the comedy “Argylle” and “Fly Me to the Moon,” faced tough competition and didn’t perform well in theaters.

One factor contributing to “F1’s” strong showing is its Imax release. Imax screens provided about 23% of its domestic revenue, with large-screen formats like Dolby Cinema accounting for around 55%. This strategy turned the film into a must-see event.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer described the film as “emotional,” “exciting,” and filled with “romance and humor.” Such qualities have resonated with audiences, as reflected in an “A” grade from CinemaScore and an 83% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Zack Van Amburg from Apple praised the film’s engaging storytelling and the team’s hard work in delivering an unforgettable experience.

In contrast, Universal’s “M3GAN 2.0” struggled, debuting with only $10 million, well below expectations. The horror genre, however, continues to thrive overall with hits like “Sinners,” which has grossed $364 million worldwide.

Family-friendly films are also performing well. Movies like “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Lilo & Stitch” have drawn audiences, while Pixar’s “Elio” experienced a rough start, earning only $11 million during its opening weekend.

Overall, “F1 The Movie” sets a promising tone for a summer filled with cinematic excitement, blending the thrill of racing with a heartfelt story. As moviegoers return to theaters, this film might be the spark that re-ignites interest in big-screen experiences.



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