The much awaited movie with a Formula One theme, starring Brad Pitt and co-produced by Lewis Hamilton, has gone over budget during production. The production is currently under financial strain since it needs a significant box office hit to break even.
As per sources from Koimoi.com, the picture, which is supposedly titled ‘Apex’ but has not yet been given an official title, has had considerable financial challenges, causing its production expenses to exceed $300 million.
A-list actor Damson Idris plays a retired Formula One driver who mentors a bright young talent in the fictional Apex Grand Prix team, while Brad Pitt plays that role. Kerry Condon and Javier Bardem’s performances add even more flair to the ensemble.
Nevertheless, the unique setting and the glitz of the performers have come at a heavy cost. Although a sizable budget was initially allocated, the real costs skyrocketed since real race vehicles and stringent safety procedures had to be used throughout production. Despite their goal of offering a genuine racing experience, these components have significantly increased the price.
The financial trajectory of ‘Apex’ experienced further instability as a result of delays resulting from the 2023 Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild of America strike. The disruptions caused more financial pressure because they not only postponed the filming but also required reshoots of several scenes.
Using modified F2 cars as stand-ins for F1 cars and filming at actual Grand Prix events, like the legendary Silverstone circuit during the British Grand Prix weekend last year, director Joseph Kosinski and screenplay co-writer Ehren Kruger aimed to capture the spirit of Formula One by incorporating real race environments into the narrative.
However, the extravagant outlay has established an enormous break-even threshold. Even for a blockbuster starring a number of celebrities, “Apex” will need to make over $750 million in box office earnings worldwide in order to offset its increased expenses.
When he was asked last year by Sky Sports about his role in the movie and if he will also appear on screen, Hamilton clarified:
“No, not really, I don’t really have any desire to be in front of the camera, but there may be an element in it where maybe I’ll slot in and play a small cameo, but at the moment that’s not the plan.
“I’m more enjoying the part in the background, making sure that I’m really talking to Joe [Joseph Kosinski] about who we’re hiring, making sure that it’s diverse, making sure that the sport looks how it’s supposed to look in the future, in terms of being more accessible.”
Hamilton continued:
“Just to be able to sit there with Joe and Jerry, who are such legends, and then sit there and watch Brad work – I’m learning so much through the process and have even more of an appreciation of what it takes to create a movie.
“I’m sure that will continue to grow as I see this thing slowly grow and build into something special.”
