At the San Sebastián Film Festival the star highlighted his bond with German Shepherd Uber, the rugged New Zealand shoot and why indie movies feel as strong as in the ’90s.
Brad Pitt spent Wednesday in San Sebastián’s Kursaal Theatre, talking about his four‑legged co‑star and the health of independent cinema.
The Oscar‑winner arrived with director David Ayer to promote Heart of the Beast, a survival thriller set in the Alaskan wilds. Pitt’s companion for the evening wasn’t a fellow actor but a German Shepherd named Uber, who plays the traumatized combat dog Odin.
"I had a really moving experience with Uber," Pitt said, smiling. He explained that the crew tried to turn every day on set into a play session for the dog. "He’d do things that weren’t even in the script, and his expressions still really move me."
Shooting took place in New Zealand’s cold, rain‑soaked backcountry. Pitt described the conditions as grueling – twelve‑hour days, no trailers, just logs for rest. Yet he added that the presence of the dog lifted the whole atmosphere. "When the dog showed up, the energy changed – people got a little happier, a little more excited."
Beyond the canine anecdotes, Pitt turned the conversation to the broader indie landscape. He praised the current distribution model, noting that more eyes are now on modest‑budget projects. "It feels as strong as in the ’90s," he declared, echoing a sentiment shared by Ayer.
Ayer elaborated on new discovery pipelines, pointing to creators emerging from YouTube and other online platforms. He named up‑and‑coming horror directors Curry Barker and Kane Parsons as examples of fresh talent breaking into the scene.
The pair also touched on the streaming boom. Pitt said the rise of platforms has opened doors for actors, writers and directors, creating a “greater plenty of really interesting stories and talents.” He warned, however, that mid‑range budgets – roughly $30‑60 million – still struggle to find studio backing, a challenge he’s personally familiar with as a producer on the film.
When asked about the emotional core of Heart of the Beast, Pitt emphasized the bond between his character James and Odin. "Both are capable, hardened creatures, but it’s their loyalty to each other that drives them," he explained, adding that such connections mirror real‑life friendships.
The press conference ended on a hopeful note. Pitt urged audiences to focus on common humanity, suggesting that listening across divides could ease the world’s current tensions.
Heart of the Beast, starring J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe alongside Pitt, will roll out after its San Sebastián premiere. With the indie buzz growing and a dog stealing scenes, the film could become a touchstone for the next wave of modest‑budget adventure dramas.
What’s next? The film is slated for a global release later this year, and industry watchers will be keen to see whether the festival buzz translates into box‑office traction.
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