Brad Pitt has once again captivated audiences with his commitment to his craft, this time in the adrenaline-fueled world of Formula 1 racing. In the new film F1, Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a retired driver returning to the track. His performance has been widely praised, with critics calling the film a “perfect summer blockbuster.” However, it wasn’t just the action-packed racing sequences that caught attention—Pitt’s extreme dedication to his role resulted in an unforgettable on-set mishap involving a plate of beans.
Method Acting Backfires as Pitt’s Café Scene Ends in Hilarious On-Set Chaos
During a pivotal scene set in a cramped café, Pitt decided to fully embrace his character’s hunger by consuming multiple plates of beans and bacon over several takes. In an interview on the New Heights podcast, he recounted the experience of being in a hot, crowded space with over 60 crew members while eating the same heavy meal repeatedly.
Brad PittBy the fourth take, the effects of his enthusiastic method acting made themselves known—unfortunately, through an uncontrollable bout of flatulence that quickly became a major disruption on set.
As Pitt described it, the moment quickly escalated. Initially thinking he had gotten away with a quiet incident, the situation turned when the smell overtook the entire café, prompting the crew to flee. His humorous yet mortifying retelling of the story reveals the unexpected side effects of total immersion into a role and offered a light-hearted behind-the-scenes look into the production of the high-stakes movie.
F1 Nears Budget Break-Even as Sequel Hopes Hinge on Streaming Success and Connections to Other Racing Film Franchises
Despite the media frenzy around Pitt’s performance—and his flatulent faux pas—the film’s financial return has been moderate. While early estimates pegged the movie’s budget at $400 million, it has since been revised to a more modest (but still substantial) $250 million. With a current box office total of $237.4 million, F1 is close to recouping its production budget and could still turn a profit through digital and physical releases, including streaming.
The future of the F1 franchise remains uncertain. Though the film hasn’t been a massive hit, its links to other racing films—such as the Days of Thunder sequel in development—could keep Pitt’s character in the race.
Given the film’s solid reception and the existing appetite for high-octane dramas, a sequel or spinoff may not be off the table, but it would likely depend on financial returns and strategic interest from Apple and Warner Bros. For now, Pitt’s unforgettable dedication both on and off the screen remains one of F1’s most talked-about highlights.