Brad Pitt is drawing renewed interest after revealing why he and Tom Cruise stepped away from Ford v Ferrari, a racing drama they were once set to lead. In a recent interview, Pitt detailed how both stars had their sights set on driving roles, an ambition that ultimately led to their involvement coming to an end. He also reflected on the experience and the project’s evolution into a critically acclaimed film, despite their absence.
Here’s what Pitt shared about the casting conflict, Cruise’s decision, and why they left the film behind.
Brad Pitt opens up about stepping away from Ford v Ferrari with Tom Cruise
Brad Pitt confirmed that he and Tom Cruise were originally set to star in Ford v Ferrari nearly a decade before the film’s 2019 release.
Speaking to The National, Pitt said, “Tom and I, for a while there, were on Ford v Ferrari with Joe [Kosinski] to direct.” At the time, both actors wanted to play roles that allowed them to drive. Pitt explained, “What it came down to is that we both wanted to drive, and he wanted to play Shelby, and I wanted to play Ken Miles.”
The project eventually fell apart when Cruise realized his chosen character would not be behind the wheel. “When Tom realised that Carroll Shelby would not be driving much in the movie, it didn’t come through,” said Pitt.
James Mangold later directed the film with Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale as Ken Miles. It premiered in 2019, earned four Academy Award nominations, and won two.
Pitt revisited the experience while promoting F1 The Movie, which opened to $144 million globally in its first weekend, per ESPN. He plays Sonny Hayes, an aging driver returning to Formula One for a final race. The film’s climax was shot during the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Pitt crediting both the location and support from local authorities. “We couldn’t have had a more celebratory end,” he said. “The Yas Marina Circuit became like our own backyard.”
Pitt also expressed interest in a sequel and mentioned Cruise as a potential co-star. “I’d love to,” said Pitt. However, he noted the recurring issue. He said, that for that to happen, “Tom would have to be driving too. So I’m not sure how that’s going to work, but we’ll give it a go.”
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on ComingSoon.net.
