TL;DR:
- Hollywood actor Brad Pitt, age 59, collapsed during filming of an F1 movie scene at LA Grand Prix after a dramatic car crash sequence, requiring immediate medical evaluation.
- The incident occurred on November 23 after George Russell’s pole position at Vegas race, where Pitt was filming as character Sonny Hayes in full racing gear.
- The upcoming F1 movie, directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski and co-produced with Lewis Hamilton, features Pitt as a retired F1 driver and is set for June 2025 release.
- While Pitt remains stable, he’s temporarily stepping back from filming to recover, with his character being replaced by Joshua Pearce for upcoming race sequences.
Hollywood veteran Brad Pitt suffered a dramatic incident on the set of his upcoming Formula 1 racing film after an intense car crash scene led to his collapse. The incident occurred during the filming of a qualifying sequence where Pitt, in full racing gear, was seen stumbling before falling onto a safety mat positioned by the crew.
The actor’s team quickly issued a statement addressing the incident, maintaining the film’s immersive narrative style by referring to Pitt by his character name, Hayes: “During qualifying, Sonny sustained a significant impact requiring immediate medical evaluation. Incidents of this magnitude are always taken seriously, and Sonny’s health remains our top priority.”
The production team confirmed that while Pitt remains stable, he would be temporarily stepping back from filming to focus on recovery. “While Sonny is otherwise stable, he will not participate in tomorrow’s race as he focuses on recovery. Joshua [Pearce] will race solo tomorrow, carrying the team forward,” the statement elaborated.
The highly anticipated Formula 1 film, scheduled for theatrical release in June 2025, features a star-studded ensemble including Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, and Idris Elba. The production notably incorporates real F1 drivers and utilizes specially modified F2 cars to create authentic racing sequences.
This incident highlights the inherent risks involved in filming high-intensity action sequences, even with comprehensive safety measures in place. The production continues to move forward while prioritizing the well-being of its lead actor, with the crew maintaining strict safety protocols during the filming of remaining sequences.
The unnamed F1 project marks one of the most ambitious racing films in recent years, combining Hollywood star power with authentic Formula 1 racing elements to bring the high-stakes world of professional racing to the big screen.
Source: Times of India