‘F1’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan - The Rewatchables Recap
Podcast: The Rewatchables
Published: 2025-12-23
Duration: 1 hr 46 min
Guests: Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, Van Lathan
Summary
The hosts delve into the movie 'F1,' highlighting its production challenges, Brad Pitt's career impact, and its status as a top sports film. They explore how the film combines star power, high production value, and Formula One excitement.
What Happened
Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan revisit the hit movie 'F1,' praising its successful blend of star power and high-octane racing. Despite production challenges, including strikes and COVID-related delays, the film became a significant box office success, grossing over $600 million on a $200 million budget. The movie features Brad Pitt in a leading role, marking another high point in his career, alongside a talented cast including Kerry Condon, Damson Idris, and Javier Bardem.
The hosts discuss Brad Pitt's $30 million salary for 'F1' and compare his career trajectory to other Hollywood icons like Tom Cruise and Matt Damon. They note Pitt's unique approach to selecting roles, often opting for varied and unconventional projects, which has solidified his status as a versatile actor. Pitt's involvement in 'F1' was initially uncertain due to his previous commitment to 'Ford vs Ferrari,' but ultimately, 'F1' became his biggest film worldwide.
The episode highlights the film's cinematic experience, particularly in IMAX, and its comparison to 80s-style star-driven movies. The hosts emphasize the seamless integration of visual effects, a hallmark of producer Jerry Bruckheimer's style, contributing to the film's polished finish. They also discuss the movie's soundtrack by Hans Zimmer, which complements the high-speed action on screen.
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the sports movie tropes present in 'F1,' such as 'the best that never was' and 'old guy versus new guy.' The character Sonny Hayes, portrayed by Brad Pitt, mirrors real-life Formula One drivers, with his improbable comeback akin to historical figures like Luigi Faggioli. The film assumes audiences are familiar with such archetypes, allowing it to focus on the thrilling races and personal dynamics.
The hosts humorously critique some unrealistic aspects of the film, like the logistics of racing in Abu Dhabi without qualifying and the portrayal of older drivers. They engage in lighthearted debates, such as a hypothetical scenario featuring Javier Bardem's character dressed as Anton Chigurh, adding a touch of levity to the analysis.
The movie's production background is explored, including a competitive bidding war that saw Apple acquiring the rights for $130-$140 million. This investment paid off, as 'F1' provided Apple with significant movie credibility and surpassed 'Cars 2' as the highest-grossing sports film worldwide. The hosts conclude that 'F1' is a prime example of a film that effectively combines Hollywood star power with the global appeal of Formula One racing.
Key Insights
- The film 'F1' grossed over $600 million worldwide on a $200 million budget, establishing itself as the highest-grossing sports film globally, surpassing 'Cars 2'.
- Brad Pitt received a $30 million salary for his role in 'F1', marking it as one of the most lucrative deals in his career and contributing to his status as a versatile Hollywood icon.
- Apple acquired the rights to 'F1' in a competitive bidding war for $130-$140 million, a strategic move that significantly bolstered its credibility in the film industry.
- The film's soundtrack, composed by Hans Zimmer, plays a crucial role in enhancing the high-speed action sequences, aligning with the visual effects style of producer Jerry Bruckheimer.