Just a few weeks ago, we were all eagerly watching as Brad Pitt and Damson Idris made their way into the Formula 1 paddock at the British Grand Prix to film on-track action for their upcoming F1 movie. This highly anticipated film, which is yet to be named, promises to be the most realistic and gritty race film of all time, and we can’t wait for its release. However, production of the movie has now been put on hold as actors walk off set due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
Last week, members of the SAG-AFTRA union voted overwhelmingly in favor of industrial action, joining over 10,000 screenwriters who have been on strike since May. This marks the first time in over 60 years that both writers and actors are simultaneously striking in Hollywood. As a result of this strike, movie and TV sets have been shut down, and even the stars of Christopher Nolan’s new Oppenheimer film walked out of its premiere in the UK. Pitt’s Formula 1 movie is now also being forced to halt production due to this industrial action.
The movie, which is produced for Apple TV and does not have a release date yet, is being directed by Joseph Kosinski, the mastermind behind Top Gun: Maverick. Throughout the 2023 Formula 1 season, the production crew had plans to immerse themselves in F1 weekends, just as they did in Silverstone recently. They were also scheduled to film at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort next month. Pitt and Idris were seen behind the wheel of modified Formula 2 cars that resemble F1 machinery, complete with a black and gold livery reminiscent of a popular team.
However, the production crew’s return to the paddock after F1’s summer break is uncertain due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. The union, which represents approximately 160,000 Hollywood actors, initiated the strike after failing to reach a new working agreement with the studios. Negotiations between the union and studios revolve around issues such as the use of AI in movie making, fair distribution of revenue from streaming services, and industry-wide pay raises. The duration of the strike remains unknown, and it is unclear when the parties will resume negotiations. With writers already on strike since May 3rd, the acting union may face a lengthy battle ahead.