‘Hunt: We Need To Talk About James’ Goes Into Production

Speedsters, listen up. Hunt: We Need to Talk About James has gone into production, with more legendary figures in racing now attached.

The feature-length doc film from production house and tech specialist Deep Fusion looks at the colorful life of James Hunt, the British Formula 1 driver who died in 1993 aged just 43.

We first reported on the film in April 2024.

F1 champion Damon Hill and motorsport mogul Bernie Ecclestone are now attached to contribute to the film, which is being made with the support of the Hunt estate.

The pic will explore how the rebellious Hunt became one of the sport’s most enduring characters, and is being planned for a release on the 50th anniversary of Hunt’s dramatic F1 championship win in 1976.

The feature is directed and produced by Benjamin Field, with John Gore the executive producer. Ewan Atkinson is producing with the Hunt estate and Jamie Anderson also acting as EPs with Richard Wiseman as archive producer. It will be scored by BAFTA-nominee Sam Gale.

“This film aims to do for James Hunt what Senna did for Ayrton Senna, delivering a rare treat for F1 and motorsport fans globally as well as for classic documentary enthusiasts who love a great story,” saud Deep Fusion founder Field.

“Hunt: We Need to Talk About James is a very human story, painting a complete picture of a man who was definitely flawed, totally driven but also an unexpectedly private figure. The film presents a rounded picture of a very human being. Hunt remains one of the most beloved British sporting icons and this film means a great deal to me personally. Growing up listening to his commentary made me into the F1 fan I am today, so directing this documentary is a real honour and a privilege.”

Freddie Hunt, James Hunt’s son, added: “Dad has so often been painted as something of a caricature. I’m hugely excited that, for the first time, the world will see both sides of the man – and already during filming, stories have come to light that have never been spoken about before.”

Field is know for his film about Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson. The movie, Gerry Anderson: A Life Uncharted, which was for Britbox in the UK and shopped by Sphere Abacus, used AI technology to repurpose audio archive footage and bring Anderson back to the screen to discuss his life and career.