Brad Pitt Returns to San Sebastian After 17 Years With David Ayer’s Survival Thriller

Brad Pitt is making his way back to Spain this fall. The actor will present his latest film, Heart of the Beast, at the San Sebastian Film Festival, reuniting him with Fury director David Ayer for the second time.

The survival thriller has earned a spot in the Official Selection at the 74th San Sebastian International Film Festival, though it will screen outside of competition. Both Pitt and Ayer are expected to attend the festival, which takes place September 18-26, 2026.

It’s a significant return for Pitt, who hasn’t been to San Sebastian in nearly two decades. His last visit was in 2009, when he showed up to present Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds. His appearance this year rounds out a competitive lineup that includes 17 films vying for top honors, three additional out-of-competition selections, and five special screenings.

Ayer’s latest film follows James Belmont, a former Special Forces officer who finds himself stranded in the Alaskan wilderness following a plane crash. He’s not alone his combat dog, Odin, is with him. The two must lean on each other to survive brutal weather, treacherous terrain, and the unforgiving landscape around them.

The film explores the deep bond between soldier and animal while blending survival drama with action and adventure. Paramount Pictures is billing it as an intense look at the connection between a man and his best friend.

This marks the second time Pitt and Ayer have worked together since their 2014 World War II film Fury. Ayer directed from a screenplay by Cameron Alexander, while Pitt took on a producer role alongside Olivia Hamilton, Marty Bowen, and Ayer himself. Damien Chazelle is among the executive producers on board.

The cast rounds out with Oscar winner J.K. Simmons and actress Anna Lambe alongside Pitt.

The film will hit U.S. theaters on September 25, 2026, through Paramount Pictures. The San Sebastian screening will give audiences an early peek before the movie reaches cinemas later that month.

With Pitt’s return to the festival and a fresh action role under his belt, Heart of the Beast is shaping up to be one of the standout studio releases on the festival’s 2026 calendar.