Brad Pitt’s new Formula One movie has gained traction in cinemas this summer, making waves internationally, while Apple Studios faces ongoing challenges after the Henry Cavill Argylle box office failure. The mixed results at the box office highlight intense uncertainty for Apple’s future theatrical efforts as it continues to compete with major studios in a shifting film industry.
Brad Pitt’s Racing Drama Speeds Ahead Globally
F1: The Movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt, has so far grossed $161 million worldwide, giving a boost to the summer release schedule. Drawing on a similar action-driven formula that powered Tom Cruise’s success from Days of Thunder to Top Gun: Maverick, the film uses practical racing sequences and electrifying stunts to reignite the cinema experience. This approach appears to have struck a chord not only with critics—who have responded positively—but also with international moviegoers looking for bigger theatrical spectacles.
As the film accelerates at the global box office, it stands out in Apple Studios’ recent slate. Pitt’s performance and Kosinski’s direction are being viewed as a much-needed win for the studio, especially after a series of setbacks saw Apple’s other ambitious projects struggle to find commercial success.
All we do is win. #F1TheMovie is the #1 Movie in the World! Experience it NOW PLAYING only in theaters and @IMAX – get tickets now! https://t.co/yJo4JELQkw pic.twitter.com/Au4U1LFiSI
— F1 Movie (@F1Movie) June 30, 2025
Apple Studios’ Mixed Track Record at the Box Office
Apple entered the feature film market with strong momentum, especially after CODA secured the Academy Award for Best Picture—the first for a streaming platform. Building on this historic achievement, Apple poured significant resources into big-budget productions and recruited renowned talent such as Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Joaquin Phoenix.
However, these efforts have not consistently translated into box office gold. Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, earned $158 million globally compared to its estimated $200 million budget. Ridley Scott’s historical epic Napoleon, with Joaquin Phoenix as the French Emperor, grossed $221 million globally but was made on a speculative $130-200 million budget.
Most alarmingly, Argylle—featuring Henry Cavill and Bryce Dallas Howard—failed to make an impact, finishing its global run at $96 million compared to its hefty $200 million cost. Even the lighter romantic comedy Fly Me to the Moon with Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum managed only $42 million in ticket sales worldwide.
Mounting Losses and Industry Doubts
Combined, the four recent Apple features—F1: The Movie, Killers of the Flower Moon, Napoleon, and Argylle—cost the company around $600-700 million but returned just $515 million in ticket sales. After factoring in expensive marketing campaigns and revenue splits with theaters, the losses have grown significant. While Pitt’s film appears to be bucking the negative trend with strong early performance, Apple’s overall move into movie theaters remains financially troubled.
Audience reception has mirrored box office uncertainty. Killers of the Flower Moon received a strong 93% score from critics but just 64% from moviegoers on Rotten Tomatoes, while Napoleon fared even worse with audiences, and Argylle’s approval stood at only 71%. Fly Me to the Moon scored even lower. These results have contributed to an atmosphere of doubt among industry watchers about Apple Studios’ ability to connect with theater audiences.
Strong Audience Response and Hopes for the Future
Brad Pitt’s F1 was a risk for Apple Studios due to its reported $250 million budget—the largest yet for the studio. Yet its energetic reception, including an A CinemaScore and a dramatic 97% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, has invigorated expectations. As franchise fatigue grows with projects like M3GAN 2.0 and Jurassic World: Rebirth falling flat with viewers, the success of F1: The Movie could signal a pivot in Apple’s fortunes.
Industry projections now suggest that F1: The Movie could double its opening weekend numbers, aiming for a worldwide total of $300 million within weeks, and possibly passing $500 million during its box office run. This turnaround comes at a crucial time for Apple Studios, which must prove that it can recover from the Henry Cavill Argylle box office failure and return to profitability with star-driven hits and well-received productions.
As Apple Studios weighs future investments, the performance of Brad Pitt’s Formula One drama may influence its commitment to original theatrical releases and its competition with Hollywood powerhouses such as Netflix and major film studios around the globe.
