tr?id=&ev=PageView&noscript=

Daytona Beach takes center stage in Formula 1 movie starring Brad Pitt

By Crystal Harlan

January 24, 2024

Daytona International Speedway and Pappas Drive-In and Restaurant in New Smyrna Beach are among the locations where Brad Pitt will be filming Apex.

Volusia County is getting a taste of Hollywood this week as Brad Pitt is in the area filming Apex, a movie about the world of Formula 1 racing. 

In the Apple Original Films production, Pitt plays the character of veteran driver Sonny Hayes, who comes out of retirement to assist rookie F1 charger Joshua Pears, played by Damson Idris.

The 60-year-old Oscar-winning actor was seen filming scenes during the Rolex Roar Before 24, the three-day test runs that are the final dress rehearsal for the Rolex 24 At Daytona International Speedway. 

Pappas Drive-In and Restaurant in New Smyrna Beach is another confirmed filming location.

Vic Ganoe, the owner of Pappas Drive-In & Restaurant in New Smyrna Beach, told The Daytona Beach New-Journal that the restaurant will be closed from Jan. 23 to Jan. 29 while the movie is being filmed on the property.

Ganoe told the newspaper that it is “very cool” for New Smyrna Beach to be a location for the film, and that some of the restaurant’s employees will be featured in scenes.

The movie is set to be released sometime in 2025.

 

RELATED: 5 Florida Drive-In Theaters for a Fun Family Movie Night!

Author

  • Crystal Harlan

    Crystal is a bilingual editor and writer with over 20 years of experience in digital and print media. She is currently based in Florida, but has lived in small towns in the Midwest, Caracas, New York City, and Madrid, where she earned her MA in Spanish literature.

CATEGORIES: COMMUNITY | LOCAL NEWS

Support Our Cause

Thank you for taking the time to read our work. Before you go, we hope you'll consider supporting our values-driven journalism, which has always strived to make clear what's really at stake for Floridians and our future.

Since day one, our goal here at Floricua has always been to empower people across the state with fact-based news and information. We believe that when people are armed with knowledge about what's happening in their local, state, and federal governments—including who is working on their behalf and who is actively trying to block efforts aimed at improving the daily lives of Florida families—they will be inspired to become civically engaged.

Crystal Harlan
Crystal Harlan, Senior Community Editor
Your support keeps us going
Help us continue delivering fact-based news to Floridians
Breaking down Florida’s election results

Breaking down Florida’s election results

Trump’s victory was not the only GOP win in The Sunshine State. Florida failed tilted reinstated GOP candidates in office and axe amendments that the Republican legislature fought to derail. 

Share This