Damson Idris Shares Thrilling Experience Filming F1 Movie with Brad Pitt
In his upcoming F1 movie, Damson Idris delves into an exhilarating experience filming alongside Brad Pitt and real Formula 1 drivers. The sports and thriller film is set to hit theaters during the summer 2025 cinematic season.
Casting and Preparation
Known for his role in "Snowfall," Idris detailed his journey from auditioning for the role to the first day of shooting, in an interview with Vanity Fair. He plays "Joshua Pearce," a teammate to Brad Pitt’s character "Sonny Hayes" in the fictional APXGP racing team.
**First Day of Shooting**
Idris recounted the first day of filming at the British Grand Prix last year: "I looked to my right and saw Javier Bardem, to my left was Brad Pitt, and when I looked at my hands, they were shaking. We shot epic scenes with amazing drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen."
Plot and Collaborations
The F1 movie follows the story of "Sonny," a former driver who returns from retirement to mentor and team up with the younger driver "Joshua." Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion and current Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver, also contributed to the film’s production.
**Filming Challenges**
Discussing his experience filming inside racing cars in Abu Dhabi, Idris said: "I was in the car for 45 minutes today. It may seem normal, but it's not. It’s extremely hot here. You’re strapped in, sweating inside the helmet. You lose a lot of weight."
Proving Himself
Before Idris could don the APXGP racing suit, he had to demonstrate to director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer that he could handle the challenge. Recalling that day, Idris shared: "It was raining that day, I’ll never forget. I was thinking, ‘Oh God, please don’t crash. First, because you might die. Second, and most importantly, you won’t get the role.’"
Filming Insights
A year into shooting the film, which recently released its first promotional trailer, Idris expressed that working with Kosinski was a dream come true. He praised Kosinski's directorial skills: "He is the epitome of a director, embodying what cinema means to me. The feeling I got after watching Top Gun was the same as when I was a kid watching E.T. or Star Wars. These films are known for one thing: entertainment. Everyone, regardless of their background, can watch this film. His directing process is incredible."
Working with Brad Pitt
Speaking about working with the Oscar-winning Brad Pitt, Idris added: "Talk about a superstar; his humility is unmatched. I don’t know if people realize this, but he’s really skilled behind the wheel. So skilled, in fact, it makes me nervous because he’s that good."
Finally
As the excitement builds for the release of the F1 movie, Damson Idris’s experiences and reflections highlight the dedication and thrill behind bringing such an ambitious project to life. With a stellar cast and crew, this film is poised to be a major hit in the summer of 2025.
For more updates on this thrilling cinematic experience, keep following [Hollywood Reporter].
