Lewis Hamilton, the celebrated seven-time Formula One champion and co-producer of the new racing film starring Brad Pitt, has shared his thoughts on the movie’s recent success and the idea of a potential sequel. After the film opened to substantial acclaim, grossing $55.6 million in North America and $144 million globally over its debut weekend, Hamilton expressed his desire to savor this moment rather than rush into making a follow-up.
In a media interview preceding the British Grand Prix, Hamilton emphasized the importance of not prematurely jumping into a sequel, stating, “Most sequels are way worse, and so we don’t need to rush it.” He highlighted the four-year effort that went into the film’s production, which was led by director Joseph Kosinski, suggesting that it’s essential to take time to properly reflect on its success first.
Hamilton’s approach resembles the practices of F1 racing teams, who meticulously analyze their performances after each race. He proposed a “debrief” for the film, a concept he wishes to introduce into the film industry, saying, “Let’s review what we did and what we could have done better.” This thoughtful perspective underlines his commitment to ensuring any future projects are of the highest quality.
In the film, Brad Pitt takes on the role of Sonny Hayes, a driver who returns to Formula One after a lengthy hiatus, with a storyline that weaves in real-life elements from actual Grand Prix weekends, further enhancing its authenticity. The film’s success marks a significant milestone for Apple, establishing it as its most successful box office release to date.
Hamilton’s enthusiasm for the film reflects a broader excitement within the racing community about its reception and the representation of Formula One in cinema. His measured approach to sequel production exemplifies a commitment to quality in filmmaking, possibly setting a new standard for future projects in the industry.