Apple is No Longer Making Theatrical Releases a High Priority
'F1' could be the last Apple TV+ theatrical release https://t.co/GaJjRsYLpJ #Apple
- AppleInsider (@appleinsider) September 28, 2024
- Apple TV+ is continuing to step back from high-profile theatrical releases of its movies, with the forthcoming "F1" racing drama seen as one more test after a series of flops. Following low box office returns for films including "Killers of the Flower Moon," Apple curtailed plans for theatrical releases.
- That decision began with "Wolfs," which instead got a foreshortened and limited distribution of a week in theaters, before streaming on Apple TV+ from September 27. In June 2025, Apple is releasing "F1," a racing drama starring Brad Pitt. Significantly, Apple is partnering with Warner Bros to distribute the film, whose budget is believed to have been $300 million.
- Unspecified sources at Apple have reportedly said that how well "F1" performs at the box office will have a significant impact on future movies. "Wolfs" stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt have been vocal about their disappointment in their foreshortened theatrical release. The two stars are reported to have taken pay cuts specifically so that there would be a theatrical release, and now that isn't happening.
- So Apple TV+ is presumably going to have a harder time attracting talent, both cast and crew. That's not just because a lack of a theatrical window is less attractive, but the company appears to have changed its deal during production. Hollywood veterans are reportedly struggling to understand Apple's strategy - or that of Amazon and Netflix. It's said that industry people suspect the streamers see theaters as just marketing - and that if so, they are still not spending enough to promote their movies.
SRC