Pitt Returns to San Sebastián
Brad Pitt to Premiere Survival Thriller Heart of the Beast at San Sebastián Festival
Key Points
San Sebastián’s 74th edition Official Selection comprises 17 films in competition, 3 out of competition, and 5 special screenings, with Heart of the Beast positioned within the Official Selection but screening out of competition.
The dog in the film has a real-life name: Odin’s canine co-star Uber; the dog’s actual name is Uber, a detail highlighted in production coverage.
Executive producers for Heart of the Beast include Damien Chazelle alongside Scott Lumpkin and Chris Long, expanding beyond Pitt’s own producing team.
The film’s production slate features A Wild Chickens, Temple Hill, and Kino World, with Domain Entertainment and Gulfstream Pictures also involved in the project.
In the story, Odin the retired service dog plays a pivotal role, helping Pitt’s character survive and defend against wildlife such as bears and wolves in the Alaskan wilderness.
Brad Pitt is returning to Spain's San Sebastián Film Festival for the first time since 2009, bringing survival thriller Heart of the Beast to the 74th edition. The film, directed by David Ayer, follows Pitt as a former Army Special Forces officer stranded in the Alaskan wilderness with a retired service dog named Odin, fighting to survive and return to civilization. The Hollywood Reporter reports the film will screen out of competition during the festival's September 18–26, 2026 run.
A Survival Story Set in Frozen Alaska
Heart of the Beast puts Pitt and his canine co-star Odin in extreme conditions. The dog serves as both companion and protector, helping Pitt's character defend against Alaskan wildlife like bears and wolves. Deadline notes that J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe co-star in the film. The production involves multiple companies including Temple Hill, A Wild Chickens, and Kino World.
Pitt's First San Sebastián Appearance in 17 Years
Pitt last presented at San Sebastián in 2009 with Inglourious Basterds, making this a major return for the A-list actor. Both Pitt and director David Ayer will attend the festival to promote the film. The movie arrives in cinemas on September 25, 2026, just after the festival closes.
A Major Addition to the Festival's Competitive Slate
The 74th San Sebastián edition features 17 films in competition and 3 screening out of competition within the Official Selection. Heart of the Beast lands in that out-of-competition spot, meaning it won't compete for prizes but carries significant prestige. Deadline reports the film rounds out a competitive lineup running through September 26, 2026.
Star Power Behind the Scenes
Pitt produces alongside Olivia Hamilton and Marty Bowen. The screenplay comes from Cameron Alexander. Damien Chazelle, known for directing La La Land and Whiplash, serves as an executive producer alongside Scott Lumpkin and Chris Long. This experienced team signals significant studio backing for the wilderness survival tale.
Sentiment
Mostly PositivePublishers
10
Articles
22
Reach
32
