F1 Movie Director Explains Choosing Brad Pitt Over Tom Cruise

The high-profile sports film F1 is set to hit cinemas globally on June 25, 2025, bringing Formula One racing to the big screen in a dramatic narrative led by Brad Pitt. The movie centers on the story of Sonny Hayes, a former Formula One driver who seizes a rare opportunity to return to competitive racing after years out of the spotlight.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on Top Gun: Maverick, the production of F1 has drawn significant attention due to its realistic approach to depicting high-speed action. The film is being produced with extensive practical effects and on-track filming, raising the intensity and authenticity of the racing scenes. Kosinski’s direction focuses heavily on realism, integrating actual elements of the Formula One world including teams, drivers, and circuits from the 2023 season.

Why Brad Pitt Was Chosen Over Tom Cruise for the Lead

During promotional discussions about the film, Kosinski addressed why Brad Pitt was cast as the lead instead of Tom Cruise, a long-time collaborator and known enthusiast of performing his own stunts. According to Kosinski, while both actors possess strong driving instincts, Pitt demonstrated a more cautious and measured approach that aligned better with the safety demands of this production.

Kosinski emphasized that Cruise tends to push the boundaries during stunts, a trait that, although admirable, can introduce significant risks during filming. By contrast, Pitt’s willingness to recognize his limitations and adhere to guidance made him a more suitable fit for the high-stakes, yet safety-conscious, filming environment of F1. Kosinski noted that Pitt’s balanced approach offered more predictability in executing complex racing sequences without compromising realism.

Tom Cruise Pursues His Own Racing Ambitions

The decision not to cast Cruise has reportedly sparked renewed interest from the actor in revisiting his own racing-themed franchise. Cruise is now said to be developing a sequel to his 1990 motorsport film Days of Thunder, where he originally portrayed NASCAR racer Cole Trickle. However, before shifting into this new gear, Cruise is expected to reunite with Kosinski for the third chapter in the Top Gun series.

F1 is not only notable for its lead casting and action direction but also for its sizable production budget, estimated at $300 million. The film includes a robust ensemble cast featuring Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Javier Bardem, Kim Bodnia, Shea Whigham, and Joseph Balderrama. The storyline is set within a real-world context, showcasing the 10 official Formula One teams and their drivers from the 2023 season.