The upcoming release of Brad Pitt’s film F1, directed by Joseph Kosinski, has drawn striking comparisons to Top Gun: Maverick, with early reviews highlighting the Tom Cruise connection to Brad Pitt’s F1 movie. Anticipation is high worldwide as critics suggest the film captures the adrenaline and blockbuster energy that made Top Gun: Maverick so memorable.
Since the announcement of F1, movie enthusiasts and fans of Pitt have been eagerly tracking every update, especially given Kosinski’s record for action-packed cinematic experiences. The partnership between Pitt and Kosinski, along with the film’s fresh approach to racing drama, has set social media abuzz and led to perceptions that this could mark a huge return for Brad Pitt, whose previous major feature was Bullet Train in 2022.
Heightened Expectations for F1 Amidst Comparisons to Top Gun: Maverick
The trailer and initial sneak peeks for F1 swiftly built a global audience, with attention focused on the visually stunning race sequences and a musical score that amped up the excitement. Critics immediately picked up on the film’s kinetic storytelling, intense visuals, and pulse-pounding soundtrack, describing the viewing experience as reminiscent of Top Gun: Maverick’s high-octane momentum.
Director Joseph Kosinski, renowned for his work on Top Gun: Maverick, has been credited for bringing every detail of the racing environment to life. Audiences familiar with his style have noticed similarities in how he injects authenticity and thrill into the action, echoing the powerful energy he brought to Tom Cruise’s journey as a fighter pilot and, before that, in Oblivion, which also starred Cruise. Brad Pitt leads the F1 cast with Damson Idris, and together, they are praised for delivering performances that feel emotionally authentic and physically believable amid the chaos of high-speed competition.
One reviewer summed up the exuberant response:
“Joseph Kosinski’s #F1TheMovie hits the gas and doesn’t stop. The races are epic, the sound design, editing, cinematography, performances and music are all top notch. You definitely feel shades of TOP GUN MAVERICK in that it plays like an old school summer blockbuster. What a ride pic.twitter.com/XSy4c74Gpe” —Erik Davis, Film Reviewer
Such praise underscores how F1’s technical aspects—sound design, cinematography, editing, and score—serve as more than window dressing, but as essential parts of the immersive thrill. Early reviews have repeatedly compared the rush of F1’s racing scenes to the thrilling flight sequences in Top Gun: Maverick, noting that Kosinski’s style makes audiences feel as though they’re right inside the cars, much like viewers felt alongside Cruise in the cockpit.
These parallels are not accidental; Kosinski’s ability to stage adrenaline-filled moments while anchoring them with strong character work is at the heart of both films. F1’s emotionally charged scenes, particularly when Brad Pitt’s character faces challenges alongside his peers, have been singled out for making these dramatic moments feel authentic and intense.
Why Joseph Kosinski Chose Brad Pitt for F1 Over Tom Cruise
Given Kosinski’s acclaimed collaborations with Tom Cruise on both Top Gun: Maverick and Oblivion, many industry watchers wondered if Cruise was ever a contender to star in F1. In a candid interview with GQ, the director addressed this question directly, explaining his reasoning for selecting Brad Pitt as the lead.
Kosinski acknowledged Cruise’s legendary reputation for performing daring stunts and pushing physical limits, noting how Cruise famously crossed new thresholds of risk during his tenure as a fighter pilot in Top Gun: Maverick and in other action projects. When faced with a film centered on speedy, high-risk motorsports, however, Kosinski had to carefully weigh the demands of the role. The physical risks in Formula 1—where vehicles can reach 220 miles per hour and weigh upwards of 1,800 pounds—are not trivial.
The director’s statement made it clear that both actors possess a natural affinity for action and driving, but he felt Pitt was the safer choice for the intense, high-stakes demands of F1. Kosinski provided insight into this decision, reflecting on Cruise’s relentless drive and ability:
“Tom always pushes it to the limit, but at the same time is super capable and very skilled. They both have the natural talent for driving. But yeah, I could see Tom maybe scaring us a little bit more.” —Joseph Kosinski, Director
This comment highlights how, while Tom Cruise would have delivered an electrifying performance as an F1 racer, his penchant for extreme stunts and unwavering pursuit of realism might have created additional on-set challenges. Pitt’s approach, meanwhile, was seen as intense but measured, allowing for both authentic racing sequences and the close character-driven storytelling Kosinski envisioned.
Though fans might have pictured Cruise suiting up as an F1 driver, the creative direction led Kosinski to trust Brad Pitt with the lead role, where he could channel both the thrill of high-speed competition and the personal stakes embedded in the film’s story.
Anticipation Grows for F1’s Theatrical Release
The volume of positive early reviews from critics, combined with strong word-of-mouth enthusiasm, suggests that Brad Pitt’s return to blockbuster cinema could become a landmark performance. Expectations are mounting not only because of Pitt’s stature and Kosinski’s track record, but also due to the film’s fresh take on the drama and spectacle of Formula 1 racing. The comparisons to Top Gun: Maverick have cemented F1’s status as one of 2025’s most awaited movies.
Hollywood observers, critics, and everyday moviegoers alike are keen to witness whether F1 can match the cultural impact and technical brilliance of Top Gun: Maverick. Many are excited to see how Pitt and Damson Idris will bring their dynamic onscreen, and how Joseph Kosinski will once again combine exhilarating action with emotional depth.
Brad Pitt’s F1 is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on June 27, 2025. As global anticipation builds, the film is already sparking conversations about star power, directorial vision, and the lasting influence of the Tom Cruise connection to Brad Pitt’s F1 movie. With a combination of storytelling prowess and heart-racing action, F1 promises to deliver an unforgettable cinematic ride.
