Video: Brad Pitt braves the wilderness in ‘Heart of the Beast’

Brad Pitt plays James Belmont, a former Special Forces officer who embarks on a camping trip with his retired fighting dog, Odin, in the Alaskan wilderness for his film "Heart of the Beast." The movie, set to release on September 25, is a departure for director David Ayer, who has previously worked on various genres including war, thrillers, and crime.

Ayer described the filming as physically demanding, emotionally draining, and requiring great concentration from the cast and crew due to its unique nature and harsh conditions. Pitt's character struggles with psychological trauma stemming from his military past, with flashbacks serving as a backdrop to the story. Pitt's portrayal of James Belmont is deeply affected by both the emotional and physical challenges of the role.

Co-starring alongside Pitt is Ober, who plays the dog Odin and made his acting debut. Ayer emphasized the importance of treating Odin as a co-star, with both actor and dog having to adapt to the filming environment while maintaining their individual performances. Pitt revealed the challenges of filming scenes with a live dog, including the need to constantly carry treats to keep the animal engaged and the difficulty in transitioning between emotional scenes and interacting with the animal.