Brad Pitt is teaming up with a canine co-star for his latest project.
Heart of the Beast is an upcoming survival thriller directed by David Ayer (End of Watch) and written by Cameron Alexander. The film stars Pitt as a former Army Special Forces soldier who, alongside his retired combat dog, attempts to return to civilization after a catastrophic accident deep in the Alaskan wilderness.
On April 26, first footage from the movie was shown at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, with Pitt’s character coming into contact with bears and wolves while trying to survive with his loyal companion. Pitt notably was not in attendance to introduce the Paramount Pictures film to critics.
Read on for everything to know about Heart of the Beast.
THE CAST
To date, only three non-canine cast members have been announced: Pitt, J. K. Simmons, and Anna Lambe. Pitt is a two-time Oscar winner for producing 12 Years a Slave (2013) and co-starring in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019). Simmons won his Academy Award for his supporting turn in Whiplash (2014).
THE PLOT
The film centers on Pitt’s character, a former Army Special Forces soldier, and his four-legged best friend as they navigate their way back to civilization after barely surviving a plane crash in remote Alaska.
THE CREATIVES
Heart of the Beast is directed by Ayer from a script by Alexander. The film is produced by Pitt through his Plan B Entertainment, plus Ayer, Damien Chazelle, and Olivia Hamilton. Mauro Fiore is the cinematographer.
THE FILMING
Production began in March 2024 when Ayer joined the project, working from a script by Alexander that had previously appeared on a 2017 list of notable unproduced screenplays. Casting started in early 2025, with Pitt joining in January, followed by Simmons in February, and Lambe in March. Principal photography took place from March to May of 2025 in Queenstown, New Zealand.
THE RELEASE DATE
Paramount confirmed at CinemaCon that Heart of the Beast would be released in the fall of 2026. An exact date is forthcoming. Stay tuned for more information, including an official trailer.
