Brad Pitt‘s new film, F1: The Movie, has garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success since its release, earning over $350 million worldwide. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for the acclaimed Top Gun: Maverick, the film is being praised for its thrilling high-speed action and dramatic storytelling, positioning it as a major contender in this year’s cinematic landscape.
Striking Similarities Between F1 and Classic Racing Drama Days of Thunder
While many viewers draw parallels between F1: The Movie and Kosinski’s Top Gun: Maverick, the film shares even closer ties with the 1990 action-sports drama Days of Thunder, directed by Tony Scott and starring Tom Cruise. Both films center on professional race car drivers, exploring themes of intense competition, personal ambition, and evolving rivalries on the racetrack.
In Days of Thunder, Cruise plays Cole Trickle, a young NASCAR driver who forms a crucial alliance with his experienced crew chief, Harry Hogge, portrayed by Robert Duvall. The film follows Trickle’s path as he balances friendship, rivalry, and the pressures of high-stakes racing. Similarly, F1 presents Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a character whose journey echoes the emotional and competitive challenges seen in Scott’s iconic sports drama.
Joseph Kosinski’s Direction Invokes the Spirit of Tony Scott’s Filmmaking
Kosinski’s approach to F1 is characterized by intense, dynamic action sequences reminiscent of Tony Scott’s style in Days of Thunder. The use of practical effects and on-location shoots adds authenticity and excitement, reinforcing the comparison between the two directors. Notably, Scott also helmed the original Top Gun, connecting the creative lineage between both racing films and Kosinski’s continuation with Top Gun: Maverick.
This directorial connection further emphasizes the similarities between the films, suggesting that Kosinski’s future work, including the anticipated Top Gun 3, may continue reflecting Scott’s influence in high-adrenaline storytelling.
Brad Pitt’s Role in F1 Mirrors Tom Cruise’s Performance in Days of Thunder
Brad Pitt’s commanding performance in F1 offers numerous moments that remind audiences of Tom Cruise’s intense portrayal in Days of Thunder. Although the two actors last appeared together on screen in 1994’s Interview with the Vampire, their careers have followed parallel paths as versatile actors capable of tackling diverse genres, from comedies to action epics.
F1 marks a new high-octane venture for Pitt, similar to how Days of Thunder served as an introduction for Cruise into the sports-action dimension of filmmaking. This parallel serves to reinforce the narrative and tonal likeness between the two films while showcasing Pitt’s range in a physically demanding role.
Film Details: Cast, Crew, and Production Highlights
F1: The Movie, released on June 27, 2025, runs for 156 minutes and is rated PG-13. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and co-written by Kosinski and Ehren Kruger, the production boasts a star-studded team including Brad Pitt, Chad Oman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Jeremy Kleiner, Lewis Hamilton, and Dede Gardner as producers.
Brad Pitt leads the cast as Sonny Hayes, with Damson Idris playing Joshua ‘Noah’ Pearce, a key character in the film. This robust ensemble and production team contribute to the film’s ambitious scope and intense atmosphere.
Reflecting on Days of Thunder’s Impact and Contributions to the Genre
Days of Thunder, premiering on June 27, 1990, lasts 117 minutes and carries a PG-13 rating. Directed by Tony Scott and co-written by Scott’s frequent collaborator Robert Towne alongside Tom Cruise, it features a memorable performance by Cruise as Cole Trickle. Nicole Kidman also stars in the film, adding depth to its dramatic narrative.
The film’s focus on Trickle’s partnership with Harry Hogge and his navigation of competitive rivalries in NASCAR laid the groundwork for future racing dramas. Its mixture of action, emotional stakes, and strong character relationships set a standard that F1: The Movie now boldly follows, updated with modern filmmaking techniques and contemporary storytelling.
F1’s Success and Its Place in Contemporary Cinema
F1: The Movie’s reception illustrates a growing audience appetite for stories about rivalry, ambition, and friendship set in the thrilling world of high-speed racing. By drawing inspiration from both the Tony Scott classic and Kosinski’s earlier work, the film manages to capture intense energy and emotional depth rarely seen in recent sports dramas.
As Brad Pitt expands his repertoire with such high-tension roles and Joseph Kosinski continues shaping the genre with skillful direction, F1 is poised to influence future sports/action films. Audience and critical response will likely inform whether the film achieves further recognition, including possible Best Picture nominations following its commercial achievements.
