Apple Original Films’ upcoming summer blockbuster, F1 The Movie, featuring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski, will make its regional debut with a premiere in Abu Dhabi on June 25, 2025. This event film, distributed globally and in IMAX by Warner Bros. Pictures, will officially hit theaters across the Middle East on June 26, marking a significant return to the city where much of the film was shot.

The premiere signifies a full-circle moment for the production, as the cast and crew reunite in Abu Dhabi after completing principal photography during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last December. This film was produced in collaboration with the Creative Media Authority, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, and local production partner Epic Films.

F1 The Movie narrates the fictional journey of Sonny Hayes, portrayed by Brad Pitt, a once-promising Formula 1 driver from the 1990s whose career faced a tragic setback. Years later, Sonny leads a nomadic life on the racing circuit until he is approached by his former teammate, Ruben Cervantes, played by Javier Bardem. Ruben, now the owner of a struggling Formula 1 team, encourages Sonny to make a comeback for one last chance at glory. Partnered with rookie sensation Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris, Sonny must navigate the complexities of modern racing while confronting unresolved issues from his past. As the two drivers compete both on and off the track, Sonny discovers that redemption in Formula 1 is not a solitary pursuit—teammates can also be formidable rivals.

Filmed during actual Grand Prix weekends around the world, the Abu Dhabi production spanned 29 days and included three distinct shooting periods. Key locations featured the Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport, and twofour54 Studios. The project engaged 284 local crew members, with Epic Films spearheading regional production efforts. Additionally, 15 young Emirati interns had the chance to collaborate with top-tier international filmmakers, gaining invaluable hands-on experience through the Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s rebate and training programs.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun: Maverick, the film is produced by Kosinski through Monolith Pictures, alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman for Jerry Bruckheimer Films. Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton also serves as a producer under his Dawn Apollo Films banner, joined by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B Entertainment. The screenplay, crafted by Academy Award nominee Ehren Kruger, is based on a story developed by Kosinski and Kruger. The production was created in partnership with Formula 1, receiving full support from Formula 1 Management, all 10 teams, F1 drivers, and the FIA.

Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of the Creative Media Authority, expressed: “We eagerly anticipate welcoming back the cast and crew for a fourth F1-related occasion after hosting the team on three different shoots over three years. The production of F1 The Movie has significantly impacted Abu Dhabi’s creative ecosystem, both in terms of duration and economic influence. Hosting the region’s premiere as part of a global tour will serve as a fitting conclusion and celebration of the entire production project and our inaugural official partnership with Apple Original Films.”

Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, remarked: “We take immense pride in hosting the premiere of F1 The Movie—a moment that will see many cast and crew members return to Abu Dhabi after 29 days of production, including time spent at the Yas Marina Circuit. As we continue to advance the film and TV production industry in Abu Dhabi, milestone events like premieres offer us the perfect opportunity to celebrate our collective efforts in supporting the visions of some of the world’s leading directors and producers from Arabic, Bollywood, and Hollywood within a welcoming and supportive environment.”

F1 The Movie is among 180 major productions supported by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, part of the Creative Media Authority, since the introduction of the rebate in 2013.

Persons

Brad Pitt, Joseph Kosinski, Javier Bardem, Damson Idris, Sir Lewis Hamilton, Ehren Kruger, Mohamed Dobay, Sameer Al Jaberi

Company Names

Apple Original Films, Warner Bros. Pictures, Creative Media Authority, Abu Dhabi Film Commission, Epic Films, Monolith Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Dawn Apollo Films, Plan B Entertainment

Titles

F1 The Movie, Top Gun: Maverick

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