Apple executives are expressing confidence about a potential follow-up to the blockbuster Brad Pitt Formula One racing film, while also revealing ambitious plans to expand their motorsports broadcasting reach beyond the United States.
Speaking at the Miami Grand Prix on Friday, Apple Senior Vice President of Services Eddy Cue indicated strong likelihood for another installment of the racing movie produced by Apple Original Films.
“I hope and expect there will be one,” Cue told Reuters when questioned about sequel possibilities for the production.
The original racing film required approximately $200 million in production costs and brought in $634 million at the box office worldwide, based on IMDb figures.
This season marked Apple TV’s takeover of exclusive U.S. Formula One broadcasting rights, replacing Walt Disney’s ESPN network. The streaming service now provides live coverage for all 24 racing events throughout the season.
Cue expressed satisfaction with viewer response to their coverage and emphasized Apple’s commitment to expanding the sport’s popularity.
“The sport doesn’t get licensed on a global basis,” he noted. “Do I hope that we are able to grow into other areas and markets? Yeah, I do.
“But starting in the U.S. which is a huge market for us, and being able to build from there, is definitely the right way to do it. And that’s what we are focused on right now. The easiest way for us to continue to grow is to make sure we make this a huge success.
“And then of course it would be great to expand it.”
The Apple executive also discussed how upcoming leadership changes at the company will benefit their Formula One partnerships. John Ternus, who will replace Tim Cook as Apple CEO, brings personal racing experience to the role.
“John actually drives a Porsche and does amateur racing,” Cue explained. “He would actually be here this weekend but he’s at Laguna Seca.
“So rest assured if anything he’s going to be at more races even than Tim. He’s a huge, huge fan of F1 and he’s known about this, he’s a huge supporter. So you’ll continue to see full support from him.
“When we do something, we don’t do things halfway. The things that we do we go all in. So we believe without a doubt that this is going to make a huge difference in what we can do to help motorsports.”
