Brad Pitt has shelved his new racing drama after a change in sponsorship deals following the writers’ strike led to the actor scrapping hours of footage shot earlier.
The Oscar-winning actor has filmed an untitled project with director Joseph Kosinski in which he plays a veteran Formula 1 ace who comes out of retirement to train an aspiring driver.
Pitt, 59, and his production team had shot hours of footage on location during the first half of the F1 season. The actor was filmed driving a Formula 2 car with an additional Formula 1 aerodynamic package at the Silverstone Circuit in July.
But the actors’ subsequent 118-day strike, which affected nearly two million jobs in the industry by the time it ended in November, put the brakes on any further work on site.
The delay and subsequent agreement between the SAG-AFTRA union and the film studios has since led to a change in sponsorship contracts, rendering previously recorded films unusable.
Dead rubber: Brad Pitt has put his new racing film on hold after a change in Formula 1 sponsorship led to the actor scrapping hours of previously recorded footage (pictured on set with Damson Idris).
New role: The Oscar-winning actor has filmed an untitled project with director Joseph Kosinski (pictured) in which he plays a veteran Formula 1 ace who comes out of retirement to train an aspiring driver
As a result, Pitt – who is co-producing the film with Jerry Bruckheimer and Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton – has since been forced to scrap tens of millions of pounds worth of valuable footage.
A source told The Sun: “It’s really a nightmare for Brad and the team.” Many events were scheduled for filming throughout the year, which would have helped cut costs, rather than having to recreate high-speed moments and wide shots.
“However, with all the sponsors now changing it, the footage is no longer valid.” It’s disappointing for Brad and Lewis, who see this project as their baby.
“Apple Studios, which is helping produce the film, is less than impressed, but ultimately there’s not much they can do.”
Pitt and his team had worked in Hungary before the SAG-AFTRA strikes, but wanted to show solidarity with demonstrating actors, even though the European country does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Hollywood actors union.
“Brad agreed that they would complete the booked filming, but has postponed the planned production until the next two months,” a source said at the time.
“Postponing production was a huge decision, especially financially, but Brad has listened to the concerns of the people he works with and wants to show his support.”
The source added: “The cast and crew of Apex have been filming in Budapest, but Brad has called for future dates to be postponed in solidarity with all strikers.”
Wrench in the works: But the actors’ subsequent 118-day strike, which affected nearly two million jobs in the industry by the time it ended in November, put the brakes on any further work on site
Exciting: The Fight Club star will play veteran driver Sonny Hayes, who has come out of retirement to compete alongside young rookie Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris
Pitt spent two months familiarizing himself with the Formula 2 machine – first at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France and then at Silverstone.
The Fight Club star will play veteran rider Sonny Hayes, who has come out of retirement to take on the sport’s greatest titans alongside young rookie Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris.
Spanish star Javier Bardem is also expected to appear as Sonny’s APXGP team boss, while Lewis Hamilton is expected to play a role in the film – presumably as himself.
Hamilton recently opened up about the film, saying, “There are nerves because we’ve been working on it for so long.”
“We want everyone to love it and really feel like we embody the essence of this sport.”
Preparation: The Hollywood heartthrob was spotted at the Austin Grand Prix on October 23, 2022, where he apparently prepared for the role by studying the sport
There he is: Pitt was also photographed at the Silverstone Circuit in July, where he was filming scenes for his new film