Despite recent reports of budget cuts, Apple TV+ has made a bold move by securing the team behind its upcoming F1 film for a new, high-stakes UFO conspiracy thriller. The deal reportedly cost Apple tens of millions of dollars and includes major Hollywood talent.
Director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and producer Jerry Bruckheimer (Pirates of the Caribbean, Top Gun) will lead the project. Apple beat out fierce competition from major studios like Amazon, Warner Bros., Sony, and Paramount to land the deal.
Big Paychecks for Big Talent
Though Apple has not confirmed the exact figures, sources report that Kosinski’s directing contract is worth an eight-figure sum. Bruckheimer is set to receive a mid-seven-figure producer fee. Screenwriter Zach Baylin, known for Gran Turismo, will pen the script and could also earn a similar payout.
These fees are separate from the film’s production budget. For comparison, Apple’s F1 movie, starring Brad Pitt, reportedly had a $300 million budget.
What’s the Plot?
The new film is said to focus on a government conspiracy involving the reverse-engineering of alien technology. Two national security agents uncover the secret program, based loosely on real-life claims made by whistleblower David Grusch during U.S. congressional hearings.
Although details remain limited, the story is expected to blend intense drama with high-stakes sci-fi intrigue.
Will It Hit Theaters?
Apple may partner with another studio, such as Warner Bros., for a theatrical release—just like it did with F1, which hits IMAX screens in June 2025. If so, top talent involved in the UFO thriller could earn even more through backend profits.
This move shows Apple is still willing to spend big on top-tier content. As competition in the streaming world intensifies, Apple is betting on blockbuster talent and bold storytelling to stand out.
