Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem, both Academy Award winners, recently sat down with Mona Kosar Abdi to talk about their upcoming summer film, “F1: The Movie.” During their interview, they showed a playful camaraderie and discussed how they prepared for the challenges that come with filming a movie in the high-adrenaline world of Formula 1 racing. The Brad Pitt F1 movie interview and Tom Cruise collaboration reveal insights into the behind-the-scenes efforts and their friendship.
Tom Cruise’s Support and a Nod to Past Collaborations
The appeal of “F1: The Movie” extends beyond fans, attracting attention from Tom Cruise, who has experience with racing through his role in the 1990 film “Days of Thunder.” Tom Cruise recently told Mona Kosar Abdi at his “Mission: Impossible” premiere that he’s eager to watch Pitt’s latest project. The actors share more than mutual respect; they previously co-starred in the 1994 film “Interview with the Vampire,” a collaboration that Brad Pitt openly recalls.
Asked about their history with go-karting, Mona inquired how the newfound F1 training might change the score should they reunite for a friendly race. Pitt reminisced,
Tom and I gotta get back out there. The last time we went there, he pit me. He took me on the last corner and I’m still bitter about it 30 years later. Nah, he had my number.
—Brad Pitt, Actor
Pitt admitted he’s open to working with Cruise again, with a wink at his colleague’s famous stunts, saying,
Well, if I don’t have to hang from biplanes and, like, swim through submarines, then I’ll consider it.
—Brad Pitt, Actor
This exchange points to a good-natured rivalry and shows how both actors’ adventurous approaches have shaped their careers, as well as their friendly competition.
Driving at High Speeds and Behind-the-Scenes Realism
Brad Pitt took on real driving duties in “F1: The Movie,” facing daunting conditions that involved high speeds, complex camera setups, live crowds, and the pressure of delivering lines while racing. Mona asked him about managing such an intense environment with the added challenge of five cameras simultaneously filming his performance. Pitt responded,
It was such a pleasure to get in those cars. It was such a high. It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I’ve gotta figure out a way to do it again. So the lines are secondary. You’re worried about your braking points, the lines, not so much.
—Brad Pitt, Actor
The filmmakers strove for authenticity by shooting racing sequences during real Formula 1 events, blending Hollywood storytelling with the genuine atmosphere and energy of top-tier auto racing.
Experiencing Formula 1’s Intensity Firsthand
Reflecting on the immersive process, Pitt shared how the experience felt fresh and revitalizing, stating,
There was a whole energy to this movie — we’ve embedded ourselves into the racing schedule, into the actual sporting event. It’s just unprecedented. And so we would have, like, five minutes, we’d be on the grid, the race is gonna start in 10, and we would have these two takes to do a scene on the grid with all the great production value of the real race drivers and the real cars in front of us. It was just great energy, the whole thing.
—Brad Pitt, Actor
Javier Bardem emphasized the sense of urgency they both felt while filming under these circumstances, saying,
It worked on our side to make us feel on the edge and being able to understand what it means to put everything at stake in one second.
—Javier Bardem, Actor
While Pitt embraced the thrill of high-speed racing, Bardem revealed that he never actually secured a driver’s license. Mona playfully suggested it was the perfect time to learn, to which Bardem declined, laughing at the idea. Pitt lightheartedly revealed,
Wait, but Penélope sent me a photo of you with a racing helmet on.
—Brad Pitt, Actor
Bardem eventually admitted his only experience was in a go-kart built for a child, showing the humorous side of his relationship with Pitt and adding levity to their working partnership.
Pitt Embraces Underdog Narrative—and a Little Self-Deprecation
The film’s narrative follows an underdog team, with Pitt’s character facing the challenge of succeeding at an older age in a sport dominated by youth and fierce competition. He acknowledged the humor present in this dynamic, stating,
We started with this idea of an underdog team and how is a guy, like, how is a guy my age gonna come in and really do this? So, yeah, there had to be a few old-guy jokes… had to be.
—Brad Pitt, Actor
On-Screen Chemistry and Longstanding Friendship
Pitt and Bardem’s chemistry extended off-screen and into their portrayal of rivals and friends. Pitt joked about their bond, sharing,
We do a Monday night tango… Just he and I. No one else is there… He leads.
—Brad Pitt, Actor
Bardem described collaborating with Pitt as rewarding and creatively free, expressing,
It was fun, it was easy. We just played the scenes and we experimented different things. He’s an amazing actor and he’s a great guy… He was producing, acting, driving.
—Javier Bardem, Actor
The sense of mutual fondness and artistic respect was evident, with Pitt lightheartedly interjecting “Dancing,” to keep the mood light.
Pitt’s Lighter Moments and Embracing Age
In a recent lighter encounter, Pitt was spotted with Jimmy Fallon wearing colorful onesies, prompting questions about his unconventional wardrobe choices. Pitt responded with a laugh,
I didn’t pick that sh*t out,
—Brad Pitt, Actor and quickly added,
No shame. That’s the great thing about getting older — no shame, absolutely. Who cares?
—Brad Pitt, Actor
This attitude aligns with the film’s spirit and the seasoned confidence Pitt brings to both his personal life and his latest role.
F1: The Movie Gears Up for Release
With “F1: The Movie” set to premiere in theaters on June 27, anticipation is building among fans of Brad Pitt, Formula 1, and the world of high-stakes racing films. The project, shaped by authentic race-day experiences and contributions from actors like Javier Bardem, stands poised to deliver a cinematic adrenaline rush and may reignite collaborations, like the one between Pitt and Tom Cruise, in the future.
