For the company, see In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre.

Heart of the Beast
Teaser poster
Directed by David Ayer
Written by Cameron Alexander
Produced by
  • Olivia Hamilton
  • Marty Bowen
  • David Ayer
  • Brad Pitt
Starring
  • Brad Pitt
  • J. K. Simmons
Cinematography Mauro Fiore
Edited by Dody Dorn
Music by Jared Michael Fry
Production
companies
  • Wild Chickens Productions
  • Temple Hill Entertainment
  • Kino World[1]
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date
  • September 25, 2026 (2026-09-25)
Country United States
Language English

Heart of the Beast is an upcoming American survival thriller film directed by David Ayer and written by Cameron Alexander, starring Brad Pitt, who also serves as a producer.

The film is scheduled to be released on September 25, 2026.

Cast

  • Brad Pitt as James Belmont
  • J. K. Simmons
  • Anna Lambe

Production

In March 2024, David Ayer signed on as director with a script by Cameron Alexander that was featured on the 2017 Black List of the year's 'most liked' unproduced screenplays;[2] Alexander served as an executive producer. Damien Chazelle and Olivia Hamilton produced the film through their label Wild Chickens Productions, with Paramount Pictures distributing as part of a first look deal between the companies, and Ayer and Chris Long serve as producers through Cedar Park Entertainment.[3] In January 2025, Brad Pitt was announced to be starring in the project, also producing under his Plan B Entertainment banner. Temple Hill Entertainment also joined the project, with Ayer now producing under Crave Films.[4] In February, J. K. Simmons joined the cast, with Anna Lambe joining a month later.[5][6]

Principal photography began on March 3, 2025, in Queenstown, New Zealand,[7] and wrapped on May 15.[8]

Jared Michael Fry was hired to compose the score for the film, marking his third collaboration with Ayer following The Beekeeper (2024) and A Working Man (2025).[9]

Release

Heart of the Beast is scheduled to be released in the United States by Paramount Pictures on September 25, 2026.[10] Its first trailer was shown at CinemaCon in April 2026.[11]

References

  1. ^ Jacob, Arushi (June 11, 2026). "'Heart of the Beast' Trailer: Brad Pitt and a German Shepherd Struggle to Survive the Alaskan Wilderness". Variety. Archived from the original on June 13, 2026. Retrieved June 13, 2026.
  2. ^ Hipes, Patrick (December 11, 2017). "The Black List 2017 Screenplays: Post-WWII Tale 'Ruin' Is No. 1 – Full Rankings". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 13, 2017. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
  3. ^ Kroll, Justin (March 22, 2024). "David Ayer To Direct 'Heart Of The Beast' For Paramount, Damien Chazelle Producing". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  4. ^ Grobar, Matt (January 24, 2025). "Brad Pitt To Produce & Star In 'Heart Of The Beast,' David Ayer's Action Adventure Pic For Paramount". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  5. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 24, 2025). "J.K. Simmons Reteams With Brad Pitt & David Ayer For Paramount's 'Heart Of The Beast'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
  6. ^ Gajewski, Ryan (March 28, 2025). "'True Detective' Actress Anna Lambe Joins Brad Pitt in 'Heart of the Beast' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
  7. ^ Bayer, Kurt (March 6, 2025). "Brad Pitt filming near Queenstown: Hollywood A-lister's latest blockbuster under way". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
  8. ^ "'Heart of The Beast' Starts Filming in Queenstown in March". Simply Bad. March 6, 2025. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  9. ^ Reporter, Film Music (June 11, 2026). "Jared Michael Fry Scoring David Ayer's 'Heart of the Beast'". Film Music Reporter. Retrieved June 11, 2026.
  10. ^ Grobar, Matt (May 13, 2026). "Paramount Dates David Ayer's Brad Pitt Actioner 'Heart Of The Beast' For Fall". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
  11. ^ Gajewski, Ryan (April 16, 2026). "Brad Pitt's Survival Movie 'Heart of the Beast' Launches Tense First Trailer". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 16, 2026.