Apple Explores Film Distribution Unit with $250M Bet on Brad Pitt's 'F1' and North Road Deal

Apple is reportedly considering starting its own film distribution unit, with a budget of around $250M for the Brad Pitt movie "F1". The company has also signed a deal with North Road, led by Peter Chernin, to release new movies. FuboTV and Weigel Broadcasting Co. have announced a multi-year agreement for distribution of seven networks, including MeTV and the WNBA's Chicago Sky.

Apple Inc. is reportedly considering the establishment of its own film distribution unit, with a significant budget allocated for the Brad Pitt-starring movie "F1." This move comes as the tech giant continues to expand its footprint in the entertainment industry, seeking to bolster its Apple TV+ streaming service. The company has also signed a deal with North Road, led by media mogul Peter Chernin, to release new films [2].

The potential $250 million investment in "F1" is part of Apple's broader strategy to compete with traditional studios and tap into the growing Formula 1 fan base in the United States [1]. The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski and backed by a screenplay from Ehren Kruger, is set to release on June 27, 2025, under the distribution of Warner Bros. Pictures. Apple's involvement in "F1" is not just about producing a blockbuster but is also part of a broader strategy to establish credibility in the content creation space [1].

The partnership with North Road, Chernin's entertainment company, signifies Apple's growing ambitions in Hollywood. Chernin, a respected figure in the media world, has a history of producing successful films and TV shows for Fox and Netflix. The deal will give Apple first crack at new projects being developed by Chernin, with the potential to bring a mix of documentaries, feature films, reality shows, and scripted series to Apple TV+ [2].

Separately, fuboTV Inc. and Weigel Broadcasting Co. have announced a multi-year agreement for the distribution of seven networks, including MeTV and the WNBA's Chicago Sky. This partnership will allow fuboTV subscribers to stream Weigel's national entertainment networks, as well as local sports, news, and entertainment programming in the Chicago DMA [3].

These strategic moves by Apple and the partnerships with North Road and Weigel Broadcasting Co. reflect a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where tech giants are increasingly investing in content creation and distribution to diversify their revenue streams and enhance their brand value.

References:
[1] https://www.webpronews.com/apples-200m-f1-film-with-brad-pitt-speeds-to-screens/
[2] https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2025-06-23/apple-seals-movie-deal-with-media-mogul-peter-chernin
[3] https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/FUBOTV-INC-113838408/news/FuboTV-Inc-Adds-Weigel-Broadcasting-s-Networks-Including-Top-Rated-MeTV-and-WCIU-the-U-Chicago-50345982/