Canine Survival Thriller
Brad Pitt Stars with Canine Co-Star Uber in Intense Alaskan Survival Thriller
Key Points
Heart of the Beast was shot entirely in New Zealand, despite its Alaska-set premise, with Odin the dog (Uber) playing a central canine role on set.
The film is described as a lean survival thriller clocking in at about 100 minutes, a tone emphasized by reports of test screenings and concise runtime.
Cameron Alexander wrote the screenplay, with Mauro Fiore serving as the director of photography for Heart of the Beast.
Damien Chazelle is listed as an executive producer on the project, alongside Pitt and Ayer's producing team.
Brad Pitt refers to Uber as the star of the film, describing the dog as 'number one on the call sheet' and noting that working with Uber's spontaneity shapes key scenes.
Paramount Pictures has dropped a new trailer for Heart of the Beast, a survival thriller starring Brad Pitt as a Special Forces officer stranded in the Alaskan wilderness with his combat dog, Odin. Coming Soon and Screen Rant both report the film is set for a September 25, 2026 release, directed by David Ayer — reuniting him with Pitt for the first time since Fury.
The trailer puts the bond between Pitt's character, Belmont, and Odin front and center. According to First Showing, the dog — played by a trained animal named Uber — was literally 'number one on the call sheet.' Pitt has said working with Uber's spontaneity shaped key scenes in the film.
Man and Dog Crash-Land Into Alaskan Survival Hell
The story kicks off with a plane crash that strands Belmont and Odin deep in the Alaskan wild. Head Topics reports the two must fight the elements, isolation, and whatever else the wilderness throws at them. The film leans hard into the emotional core: a veteran and his dog, completely alone, struggling to get out alive.
Mandatory describes the tone as brutal and stripped-down — closer to The Grey than a big action blockbuster. The runtime clocks in at around 100 minutes, keeping things lean and tight. There is no bloat here. Just survival.
Uber the Dog Is the Real Star of the Film
Brad Pitt has been upfront about who actually runs the set. First Showing notes Pitt called Uber 'number one on the call sheet,' saying the dog's unpredictable behavior pushed him to react naturally on camera. That spontaneity, Pitt said, became a creative asset rather than a challenge.
Uber plays Odin, Belmont's combat dog and closest companion. Coming Soon notes the dog is central to the film's emotional engine. Several key scenes reportedly pivot on Uber's performance. For a big studio thriller, that is a rare bet to place on a four-legged co-star.
David Ayer and Pitt Reunite With a Strong Supporting Team
Director David Ayer previously worked with Pitt on Fury, the 2014 World War II tank film. Heart of the Beast marks their return together — though in a far more intimate setting. Screen Rant notes J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe also co-star, rounding out the small cast.
Behind the camera, Cameron Alexander wrote the screenplay and Mauro Fiore serves as director of photography. Damien Chazelle — known for La La Land and Whiplash — is listed as an executive producer. The film was shot entirely in New Zealand, despite its Alaska-set story.
Heart of the Beast Targets a September 2026 Release
Paramount has positioned Heart of the Beast for a September 25, 2026 theatrical release. Screen Rant and Coming Soon both confirm that date. The fall slot suggests the studio sees awards-season potential alongside mainstream appeal — a sign of confidence in what Ayer and Pitt have built.
Early buzz from test screenings has been positive, with the 100-minute runtime earning praise for keeping the story focused. Mandatory frames it as a lean, character-driven thriller built around one central question: can a man and his dog survive long enough to find their way home.
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