Two-time IndyCar champion Will Power is starring in a new short film inspired by his life, a project directed by his brother, Damien Power. The announcement comes shortly after the massive success of the F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt and executive produced by seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, which has become the highest-grossing sports film ever. This Will Power racing short film aims to bring attention to America‘s premier open-wheel racing series, IndyCar.
Directed by Damien Power, a comedian known for his 2023 comedy series Expanded Minds Only, the short film is a serious drama rather than a comedic piece. Will Power described the experience in an interview with SpeedFreaks, emphasizing the emotional toll of acting in a 20-minute film that delves deeper into his personal journey.
Will Power Discusses the Intensity of Acting in a Serious Film
Will Power revealed that stepping into an acting role was far more demanding than he expected. Reflecting on the filming process, he said the work was exhausting, especially since the film explores heavier themes rather than lighthearted comedy.
“It was difficult acting. I acted myself in it, and it was actually very draining when it’s not light-hearted. It is quite deep in a way,”
he shared.
This short film marks Damien Power’s second notable project after his comedy series Expanded Minds Only, which featured insights from Will Power himself in its first episode. When asked directly if the film centers on him, Will Power confirmed,
“It is actually about me, yes. Yes, it is.”
The film is expected to be entered soon into a major festival, likely the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, which takes place from August 27 to September 6, according to Will Power.
The Challenge of Filming Compared to Racing on the Track
The shooting schedule tested Will Power’s endurance in ways quite different from racing. He explained in detail how grueling the filming was:
“It made me realize how lucky I am to be a driver. Like a lot of people are like, ‘I want to be an actor. I think it’ll be awesome.’ I’m like, ‘Oh my god, I don’t want to be an actor, man.’ It’s grueling because you spend the whole day doing these scenes over and over and over, from different angles and so on. And you get to the end of the day, it’s like you got six more days.”
Comparing this to a day on the racetrack, he said,
“Whereas, you go do a race and you finish, it’s like, ‘That was just so awesome.’ You drive a car for a day, like you go testing, you feel awesome after it. But at the end of filming, you feel like crap.”
The contrast highlights how physical and mental demands differ sharply between acting and racing.
Will Power Faces Critical Moment in Racing Career Amid Film Debut
While exploring a new creative outlet, Will Power also confronts pivotal decisions in his racing career. At 44 years old, this is his final contract year with Team Penske, the organization he has represented since 2009. Reports indicate Team Penske plans to replace the veteran driver with young prospect David Malukas, signaling a tough transition period for Power.
Despite this uncertainty, Power recently secured his 45th career IndyCar victory at the Grand Prix of Portland on August 10, ending a challenging stretch for Team Penske this season. In addition, he holds the record for the most pole positions in IndyCar history, with 71 poles earned throughout his career.
Impact and Future Outlook for Will Power and the Short Film
This short film represents a unique personal project for Will Power, merging his racing world with creative storytelling on screen. Its likely entry into prestigious film festivals like Venice could raise awareness of IndyCar and provide a deeper view of the man behind the driver. Meanwhile, Power’s career remains in flux, balancing the pressures of a potential team change with his ongoing achievements.
As the film gains exposure and IndyCar navigates the evolving dynamics of its drivers, Will Power’s story stands as a testament to resilience both on and off the racetrack, showing the emotional and physical depth behind the high-speed competition fans witness.