In the least surprising headline you’ll read today, Jerry Bruckheimer is working on a sequel to the Apple TV smash hit “F1.” Reports claiming this is absolute confirmation that it’s coming are premature.
Face it, there will be a sequel to “F1: The Movie.” Eventually.
After all, Hollywood and Apple like money.
No streamer or studio in the world would provide a sequel to the title that is their most watched movie and has grossed over $600 million at the box office.
Now, after previous hints from various people involved with the first film, here’s more information, closer to the source. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer said BBC News that “we are working on a sequel.”
He did not want to talk further about the details of the sequel. However, he said he was “surprised” yet delighted that the film received a Best Picture Oscar nomination.
“It was a long journey to make the film because we had to take a few hits – but in the end the film entertained audiences around the world,” he said. “I’ve never worked with Brad Pitt before and it’s really exciting to work with Brad.
What happens next
While no one from Bruckheimer’s production company or Apple talked about a sequel before “F1” became a hit, they’ve undoubtedly been discussing it ever since.
Despite what seems like an obvious step at first glance, there are complications.
One is that the sheer success of the first film is guaranteed to see all parties wanting increased fees. What is certain is that every role, both in front of the cameras and behind them, will have to be renegotiated.
This is one of the reasons why TV shows sign actors and key production crews to multi-year contracts. This means that regardless of the success of the project, all these players are already locked in the same or similar conditions as before.
Then there is somewhat of a problem to find a story for the second film. Bruckheimer alluded to this when talking about how he’s working on several projects, including a sequel to “Top Gun,” “Heat 2” and more.
“We have a lot of stuff in the stack,” he said. “We’re waiting for one of them to get a great script and make it.”
While he said this specifically about a number of his projects, it will likely be true for the “F1” sequel as well.
However, sequels tend to be business decisions as much as artistic ones. This is why, for example, the makers of “Airplane!” it was said that a sequel would be made with or without them.
So there is undoubtedly a strong business case pushing forward with an “F1” sequel. This sequel has to make financial sense—including any costs to Apple that might arise from its previous distribution deal with Warner Bros.
But whether there will be a sequel to “F1” or not, Bruckheimer also talked about a standalone Apple TV project. He mentioned a “very interesting” UFO project.
Apple is all in on F1. Tim Cook waved the checkered flag at the US Grand Prix.
Even before the release of “F1,” Apple TV reportedly spent millions hiring its team to film this as-yet-untitled UFO thriller. Reportedly, only Bruckheimer will receive a production fee in the mid-seven figures.
Bruckheimer spoke at the Academy Awards’ annual Nominees Luncheon held in Los Angeles on February 10, 2026. In addition to Best Picture, F1 is nominated in the Editing, Sound and Visual Effects categories.
The winners of the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on March 15, 2026.
Bruckheimer’s comments are at least more positive than Apple’s so far. During Apple TV’s press day, the company’s Eddy Cue answered questions about the “F1” sequel with only the streamer’s sports news outlet.
“We have 24 F1 movies on Apple TV this year,” he said, referring to the number of Formula 1 races. “I don’t know what the ending is. It’s the best unscripted drama in the world.”