Key Facts
At the Cannes Lions festival, Apple's senior vice president of services and health, Eddy Cue, revealed that a sequel to last year's blockbuster 'F1: The Movie' is 'hopefully' in the works with producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Cue also explained why Apple TV+ has never licensed library content, and shared how Steve Jobs' philosophy continues to guide Apple's entertainment ventures.
Details on the 'F1' Sequel
Speaking on stage with Bruckheimer, Cue said, 'I can’t even say this is a dream come true, because I couldn’t even dream that way.' Bruckheimer added, 'I’m really excited because we’re going to come back and hopefully make another 'F1.'' The original film, starring Brad Pitt, grossed $634 million worldwide, making it Pitt's highest-grossing movie. Cue noted the film left audiences feeling great, whether in theaters or at home.
Bruckheimer also revealed another Apple project in development: a UFO movie described as 'kind of 'All the President’s Men' about what the government’s been hiding about UAPs all these years.' He called it a true story that will be 'mind-boggling.'
Why Apple TV+ Never Licensed Library Content
Cue explained that from the start, Apple decided not to license older movies or shows for Apple TV+. 'We did something that most people told me you couldn’t do — start a streaming service without licensing content,' he said. 'We’ve always felt like if we were putting our name on it, it was kind of weird we were going to put our name on something we didn’t help create.' Instead, Apple launched with only five or six original shows.
This quality-over-quantity approach was inspired by Steve Jobs. Cue recalled asking Jobs why Pixar consistently produced hits, and Jobs replied, 'It’s always about the story. It begins and ends with the story.' That belief shaped Apple's strategy to attract the best storytellers, creators, and directors.
Impact and Achievements
Cue noted that Apple TV+ has become an EGOT winner, with 'Schmigadoon!' winning a Tony, 'CODA' winning the Oscar for Best Picture, Chris Stapleton's song from 'F1' winning a Grammy, and multiple Emmys including a record 13 for 'The Studio.' He credited the success to hiring the right people, like Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg, and to early believers like Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, who brought 'The Morning Show' to Apple.
When asked about the secret to success, Bruckheimer admitted, 'You think you know it’s going to be a hit, but nobody knows.' Cue, an Apple veteran since 1989, expressed gratitude for the Cannes Lions Entertainment Person of the Year award, saying, 'I was a computer science major — for me to be here, I could have never imagined.'
What Readers Should Know
- Apple's streaming service remains focused on original content, with no plans to license library titles.
- The 'F1' sequel is not yet official but has strong backing from both Apple and Bruckheimer.
- Steve Jobs' emphasis on story continues to drive Apple's entertainment strategy.
FAQ
Will there be a sequel to 'F1: The Movie'?
Apple's Eddy Cue said a sequel is 'hopefully' coming, in partnership with Jerry Bruckheimer, though not yet officially greenlit.
Why doesn't Apple TV+ license older movies and shows?
Cue explained that Apple decided from the start to only feature original content, believing it would be 'weird' to put the Apple name on content they didn't help create.
How did Steve Jobs influence Apple's entertainment strategy?
Cue recalled Jobs saying it's 'always about the story,' which shaped Apple's focus on quality over quantity in its streaming service.
Source: variety.com