Lights out and away we go - again!

A sequel to the Brad Pitt blockbuster F1 is officially in the works, the film's producer Jerry Bruckheimer has told the BBC.

The film, co-produced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, is nominated for four Oscars this year – including best picture. Pitt, 62, stars as veteran driver, Sonny Hayes, who returns to the Formula 1 grid with the fictional team APXGP after a long absence.

Speculation about a possible sequel has been circulating for months but had not previously been confirmed, including during Apple TV's press day last week, where the film is streaming.

Speaking to the BBC at the annual Academy Awards luncheon in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Bruckheimer said: "We're working on a sequel."

The producer declined to give a timeline for the project or confirm casting details, including whether Pitt would reprise his role. But Bruckheimer added that he would "of course" be involved in casting decisions.

Released last summer, F1 grossed $630m (£467m) worldwide, making it Apple Original Films' most successful theatrical release to date. The production featured extensive filming during the 2023 and 2024 Formula 1 seasons, with scenes shot at multiple race weekends, including the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Bruckheimer said he was "surprised" and delighted by the film's awards recognition, including its best picture nomination.

"It was a long journey to get the movie made because we had to endure a couple of strikes – but in the end, the movie entertained audiences around the world," he said of F1. "I never worked with Brad Pitt before and it's really a thrill to work with Brad."

He said the annual luncheon was a great chance to "reminisce" with others he's worked with over the years.

Bruckheimer, who was last nominated at the Academy Awards for Top Gun: Maverick, also discussed his stacked calendar of projects.

He disclosed that plans were underway for Heat 2, along with another Days of Thunder film - the 1990s NASCAR film starring Tom Cruise.

He is also working on another Top Gun movie and another film in the Pirates of Caribbean franchise. Bruckheimer also touted a "very interesting" UFO project.

"We've got a lot of things in the hopper," he said. "We're just waiting for one of them to get a great script and get it made."

Last week, Apple TV held a press day to discuss upcoming projects.

Apple senior executive Eddie Cue read out an audience question about a possible F1 sequel, and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali responded by telling fans to "stay tuned", adding that there would be more to say "in the future", according to media reports from the event.

Bruckheimer also spoke about the transitions happening in Hollywood – from massive studio mergers and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to politics and production cuts.

He spoke of feeling "optimistic" – noting that people would continue to need and want live entertainment.

"When they say the theatres are dying, it's because of us," he said. "Because we haven't given things that people want to see."