Apple Wants Full Control Over Film Distribution Like 'F1'

JAKARTA Apple is reportedly considering a major step in the film industry, namely taking full control of the distribution of cinema films, starting with its most anticipated latest film, "F1" starring Brad Pitt.

Although the film is currently being distributed globally by Warner Bros., Apple is said to be dissatisfied only as a content producer and wants to be the full owner of the entire distribution process, similar to its approach to the hardware industry 'controlling entire chains from devices, software, to ecosystems.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Apple executives are considering forming their own film distribution division, which allows Apple to independently regulate its film release in theaters, without relying on third-party studios such as Warner Bros.

This move is seen as a sign of Apple's confidence in the potential success of "F1" in the box office. Whereas previously, Apple was reported to have reduced investment for big budget films and cinema releases because some of the previous projects did not meet expectations.

One of Apple's concerns is the potential conflict of interest from Warner Bros., which will also release the big budget superhero film "Superman" just two weeks after "F1". Apple is concerned that Warner could focus more on promoting its own film production.

However, a Warner Bros. spokesman denied this issue, stating that they are running a strong global marketing campaign for the film "F1", and would earn a bigger share of box office revenue if the film was successful, so that its interests remain in line with Apple.

Even so, Apple's track record shows that the company always pursues full power over ownership and distribution rights. Apple TV+ itself is known to drive global ownership of its content, although it doesn't always work like it did in the Oscar-winning film "CODA", which Apple doesn't have in some areas such as Japan, Mexico, and Italy.

If it is true that Apple formed its own distribution division, it will increase the cost burden and operational complexity, but will also give greater control over marketing, release schedules, and potential income from big films.

In addition to "F1", Apple is scheduled to release the film "Highest 2 Lowest" starring Denzel Washington on 22 August 2025. The Oscar-winning actor reportedly received a fee of IDR 570.5 billion (equivalent to 35 million US dollars), larger than the honorarium Brad Pitt who received around IDR 326 billion (equivalent to 20 million US dollars) for "F1".

Not only that, Apple has also secured the next project from the creative team "F1", a UFO conspiracy thriller film that has not yet been named. Apple reportedly poured funds of tens of millions of US dollars or hundreds of billions of rupiah just to secure the project.

Apple's move towards the world of cinema film distribution shows its ambition to not only be a content producer, but also a dominant player in the entire global film ecosystem.