Apple’s F1 races ahead with the studio’s biggest opening ever, while Universal’s M3GAN sequel falls short of expectations despite franchise hopes.
June 29, 2025: Apple Studios has finally struck theatrical gold. Brad Pitt’s high-octane racing drama F1, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski, roared into the weekend with a $25 million opening day haul (including $2.8 million from early event screenings). This makes F1 the biggest domestic opening ever for Apple, surpassing Killers of the Flower Moon’s $23.2 million debut.
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Playing across 3,661 locations, including IMAX and premium screens, the film is riding strong buzz with an “A” CinemaScore, suggesting excellent word of mouth. With international markets where Formula 1 is hugely popular yet to weigh in, F1 could prove a long-distance performer globally. It now seems poised to hit the high end of its projected $60 million opening weekend.
M3GAN Sequel Misses the Mark
In sharp contrast, Universal’s M3GAN 2.0 stumbled out of the gate, managing just $4.5 million on Friday and an estimated $10.4 million for the weekend — well below its $20 million projections and a far cry from the original’s $30.4 million debut in 2023. The sequel carries a higher $25 million budget and weaker reviews, though a “B+” CinemaScore indicates modest audience goodwill.
The lukewarm start could cast a shadow over Universal’s broader franchise plans. A spin-off titled Soulm8te is already slated for January 2026, and M3GAN 2.0‘s underperformance could cause a rethink.
Other Top Performers
- How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action) continues to perform strongly with a $5.7 million Friday, eyeing $19 million for its third weekend. It’s on course to surpass $200 million domestically.
- Pixar’s Elio earned $3.2 million Friday, showing a decent hold in its second week but still struggling after a record-low opening. Total domestic tally stands at $34.7 million.
- 28 Years Later dropped sharply, earning $3 million Friday and projecting $9.5 million for the weekend — a 68% drop from its debut. Despite strong reviews, its future as a franchise hinges on whether it can recover.
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F1 box office, M3GAN 2.0 flop, Brad Pitt F1 movie, Apple Studios, Box office June 2025, Elio Pixar, 28 Years Later sequel, Universal Pictures, Joseph Kosinski, Blumhouse