Is An F1 Movie Sequel Really Happening?
Apple TV has sparked rumors of an upcoming F1: The Movie sequel following comments from Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali at the studio's press day on Tuesday.
F1 has arguably been Apple's biggest success this year, pulling in $631 million at the worldwide box office and securing four Academy Award nominations—including a surprise Best Picture nom.
When asked about the possibility of an F1 sequel by an audience member at Apple TV's press day, Domenicali offered: "Stay tuned."
Discussions About an 'F1' Sequel Are Likely Happening at Apple
While there's no concrete plan for an F1 sequel right now, Domenicali's comments definitely indicate that the studio has discussed the possibility. "We’re going to tell you something more in the future," he said. "We need to digest the success of this movie. If you want to think of a new one, it has to be very good."
While the studio had refused to comment on the question until now, it was always very likely that Apple would invest in an F1 sequel. The first movie was the highest-grossing sports film of all time, Brad Pitt's highest-grossing film ever, and Apple Original Films' most successful release so far.
Domencali also expressed that "relevancy is the key to our success," suggesting that if another F1 movie is coming, it has to be the right time and story. Thankfully, the first movie leaves things just open-ended enough to make a sequel feel like natural progression, not a cheap cash-grab.
Apple's Partnership With F1 is Getting Bigger
Apple's SVP of Services, Eddie Cue, took the opportunity to express his excitement about the studio's decision to make the sport available to Apple TV subscribers at no extra cost. "We've got 24 F1 movies on Apple TV [and] I don't know what the ending is. It's the best unscripted drama in the world."
With the Australian, Chinese, and Japanese Grands Prix coming up in March alone, it's an exciting time to be an F1 fan right now - and Apple TV is the place to watch it all. The streamer has made it possible to watch all races, from qualifiers to post-races, on Apple devices with a general Apple TV subscription.
The sport will also be streaming for the first time in 4K and Dolby on Apple TV, marking a huge increase to the quality of the broadcast.