Hollywood is buzzing with anticipation as Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton gears up for his silver screen debut alongside Hollywood heavyweight Brad Pitt.
Lewis Hamilton to make acting debut
The much-delayed film, which has been shrouded in speculation and intrigue, is rumored to boast a staggering budget of over $300 million, placing it among the most expensive productions in history.
Since the thrilling spectacle at the 2023 Silverstone Grand Prix, where two actors from the fictional Apex Racing team joined real-life F1 drivers for a formation lap, excitement for Hamilton’s venture into acting has been steadily building.
Despite narrowly missing out on a role in “Top Gun: Maverick,”Hamilton is now poised to make his mark in Hollywood, under the direction of Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on Tom Cruise’s 2022 sequel to “Top Gun.”
In the yet-to-be-titled film, Pitt takes on the role of a seasoned driver who emerges from retirement to mentor a young prodigy, portrayed by Damson Idris.
Joining this star-studded cast are renowned actors such as Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Sarah Niles, promising audiences a captivating cinematic experience.
Pitt’s F1 movie has had serious setbacks
However, the road to production has been fraught with challenges.
The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the ambitious decision to utilize real actors in authentic race car settings, has contributed to significant delays and ballooning costs.
Despite these setbacks, Hamilton, alongside Pitt’s production company Plan B Entertainment and renowned producer Jerry Bruckheimer, remains committed to delivering a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece.
Yet, despite the immense hype surrounding the project, key details such as the release date and title remain uncertain.
The film, initially slated for release amidst Hollywood’s actor strike, faced distribution challenges, with no traditional studio willing to take on the monumental project.
Discussions with potential distributors, including Apple, Sony, and Warner Bros., are still ongoing, leaving fans eagerly awaiting news of a theatrical release.
Amidst the uncertainty, Pitt remains optimistic, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to bring this captivating story to life on the big screen, as well as offering a brief synopsis of the plot.
“Everything has been great. The energy is incredible, being able to be part of this and tell our story. The teams have opened their doors to us. A guy who raced in the nineties, who had a horrible accident, fails and disappears, then races in other disciplines. His friend, played by Javier Bardem, owns a team and contacts him,” he said recently.