Heart of the Beast Trailer Showcases New Zealand’s South Island

The trailer for Heart of the Beast, the upcoming survival thriller starring Brad Pitt, offers a striking look at the South Island locations that double for the Alaskan wilderness.

Directed by David Ayer and written by Cameron Alexander, the film follows Special Forces officer James Belmont (Pitt) and his combat dog, Odin, after a plane crash leaves them stranded in the remote wilderness. J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe also star.

Odin is primarily played by Uber, a New Zealand German Shepherd with real-life mountain rescue experience. Selected following a nationwide search, Uber worked alongside his three sons, Seeka, Ryker and Hondo, who served as canine doubles on the production. Director David Ayer has said Brad Pitt arrived early to spend time with Uber and learn how to work with him for the film.

Heart of the Beast filmed in Aotearoa in 2025, making extensive use of South Island locations including Queenstown, Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) and Mt Aspiring National Park. The production worked with local crews and businesses, alongside cultural advisors and iwi and hapū, with the New Zealand Film Commission supporting engagement around culturally significant locations.

Filming also took place around Glenorchy and Lake Wakatipu.

The production was facilitated locally by Film Otago Southland, working alongside the New Zealand Film Commission, Department of Conservation, Land Information New Zealand, local councils and New Zealand crew and creatives.

Heart of the Beast opens in New Zealand cinemas on 24 September 2026.

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