Both British tabloid The Sun and Deadline report that production in Europe on the untitled Brad Pitt-led Formula One film (going by the name “Apex” according to some outlets) has hit pause in support of the SAG-AFTRA strike.
The crew were reportedly scheduled to film at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps (aka Spa) in Belgium this weekend, where the real-life Grand Prix is taking place on Sunday.
That reportedly won’t happen now, with the next planned leg of shooting to happen in Las Vegas in November, by which time it’s hoped a resolution between writers, actors, and studios will have been reached.
Filming took place earlier this month in Silverstone, England at the British Grand Prix on the film. In the movie, Pitt plays an aging retired racer named Sonny Hayes who helps a novice driver (Damson Idris). The Sun’s source says:
“Brad agreed that they would finish shoots booked in but has postponed planned production over the next two months. The cast and crew of Apex have been filming in Budapest, but Brad has called for the future dates to be put back, in solidarity with everyone striking. Postponing the production was a massive call, especially financially, but Brad has listened to the concerns of the people he works with and wants to show his support.”
Pitt also produces the film alongside former world champion Lewis Hamilton. Joseph Kosinski (“Top Gun: Maverick,” “Oblivion”) helms the project which also stars Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies and Javier Bardem. Jerry Bruckheimer produces whilst Ehren Kruger penned the script.
