Brad Pitt dramatically collapsed on the track during the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday, captivating fans worldwide.
Mail Online reported that the incident, staged for Pitt's new Formula One-themed movie set for release in mid-2025, was part of a planned scene.
The crowd initially reacted with alarm, but their concern quickly turned to intrigue once they realized it was a filmed segment for the upcoming movie.
In the film, Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a retired F1 driver who returns to the racing world to mentor a promising young driver. The movie combines real F1 race settings with a fictional narrative, seamlessly integrating its characters into the F1 racing calendar and capturing the sport's authentic atmosphere.
Saturday’s action was part of a meticulously choreographed scene designed to enhance the film's realism. Although the staged collapse momentarily startled spectators, it added excitement to the event. The sequence depicted Pitt's character dealing with medical complications after a severe "impact," heightening tension both on and off-screen.
As film crews captured every moment, the faux medical emergency unfolded. A mock press statement from APX GP, the fictional team in the movie, elaborated on the incident, weaving deeper layers into the storyline: "During Qualifying, Sonny sustained a significant impact requiring immediate medical evaluation... Sonny is otherwise stable, but will not participate in tomorrow’s race as he focuses on recovery."
Notable figures and settings from the actual F1 circuit intensify this blend of reality and storytelling, promising a movie rich in realism. Actors and a script seamlessly merged with the live racing event, strengthening the narrative and adding palpable tension and excitement to the proceedings.
Actor Damson Idris joins Brad Pitt in the high-octane drama, portraying Joshua Pearce, a young teammate. Director Joseph Kosinski, renowned for his visually striking and adrenaline-charged films, guides the story as it unfolds around the mentorship and challenges of a young driver navigating the competitive world of Formula One racing.
Apple demonstrates its commitment to the project's success with a production budget reportedly ranging from $130 million to $140 million, excluding principal salaries. The team has already begun filming and plans to continue through the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December 2024, completing a year of on-location shooting at actual F1 races.
The filmmakers collaborated closely with the Formula One community, which allowed them to shoot at various grand prix locations worldwide and embed the film’s narrative into the Formula One seasonal race calendar. Consequently, this integration enriches the film’s authenticity and connects fans of the sport with a compelling cinematic depiction of F1 racing.
In July, the production team released a trailer featuring Brad Pitt, offering viewers their first glimpse of the upcoming film. This early preview, in turn, set high expectations and fueled strong audience anticipation. By blending real racing events with the film's plot, the project introduces an innovative approach that could, ultimately, inspire a new trend in sports-themed cinematic productions.
As the film’s release in June 2025 draws closer, further details about the plot and additional scenes shot around the world continue to emerge. With its dynamic combination of real-life racing excitement and powerful drama, Brad Pitt’s latest project is accelerating toward becoming a standout in both cinema and sports entertainment.