Brad Pitt in the action film "Heart of the Beast" by David Ayer

After Brad Pitt and director David Ayer worked together successfully on the World War II film "Fury", the duo are teaming up again. This time it's the action film "Heart of the Beast".

According to Deadline, "Heart of the Beast" is based on a screenplay by Cameron Alexander, who is also involved as executive producer. The plot centers on a former Army Special Forces soldier who, together with his retired attack dog, survived a plane crash in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. Together they have to fight for survival in the merciless environment and also battle their inner demons.

In addition to David Ayer, Damien Chazelle – known for "La La Land" and "First Man" – will also be working behind the scenes as a producer. A start date has not yet been announced. First, however, we can look forward to "F1", which will be released in cinemas on June 27 – also starring Pitt.

David Ayer's filmography: from gritty realism to explosive action

David Ayer is an American filmmaker known for his intense, often gritty films that deal with themes such as the police, military, corruption and urban environments. His career includes work as a screenwriter, director and producer that has made him a defining figure in modern cinema.

Early work as a screenwriter

Ayers' career began with the screenplay for "U-571" (2000), a submarine thriller loosely based on historical events. Despite its commercial success, the film was criticized for its historical inaccuracies. The breakthrough came in 2001 with the screenplay for "Training Day". This intense crime drama starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke depicts a day in the life of two police officers in Los Angeles and earned Washington an Oscar. In the same year, Ayer wrote the screenplay for "The Fast and the Furious", which laid the foundation for one of the most successful franchises in film history.

Transition to directing

David Ayer made his directorial debut in 2005 with "Harsh Times". The drama starring Christian Bale examines the effects of war trauma on the life of an ex-soldier in Los Angeles. The unvarnished portrayal of violence and inner conflict was praised by critics.

This was followed in 2008 by "Street Kings", a gritty crime thriller starring Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker and Chris Evans. The film sheds light on corruption within the Los Angeles police force and shows the moral gray areas in which the characters operate. Despite mixed reviews, the intense atmosphere and Reeves' performance were praised.

Successes with "End of Watch" and "Fury"

Ayer finally established himself as a director with "End of Watch" (2012). The semi-documentary drama, which follows the lives of two Los Angeles beat cops, was praised for its realistic style and emotional depth. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña delivered impressive performances, convincingly portraying their close camaraderie. The film became a surprise success and is considered one of the best police films of its generation.

In 2014, Ayer directed the war drama "Fury", which tells the experiences of a tank crew in the Second World War. With Brad Pitt in the lead role and an ensemble cast that also included Shia LaBeouf and Logan Lerman, the film offered intense battle scenes and a gripping portrayal of the psychological stresses of war. Critics particularly praised the visual design and the chemistry between the actors.

"Sabotage": dark and controversial

In between these two successes, Ayer made "Sabotage" (2014), an action thriller starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film is about a group of corrupt DEA agents who are hunted by an unknown killer after a failed robbery. Despite a strong cast and brutal action sequences, the film was received negatively by critics, in particular due to the fragmented plot and the unsympathetic characters. Nevertheless, Sabotage remains a typical example of Ayer's dark style.

Foray into the superhero genre: "Suicide Squad"

In 2016, Ayer took over the direction of "Suicide Squad", an adaptation of the DC comic of the same name. The film was supposed to revolutionize the superhero genre, but was marred by production problems. Despite an impressive cast, including Will Smith, Margot Robbie and Jared Leto, the film received mixed reviews. Critics criticized the weak plot and the chaotic editing, which was apparently influenced by studio decisions. Nevertheless, the film was commercially successful and grossed over 700 million dollars worldwide.

"Bright" and "The Tax Collector"

After the success of "Suicide Squad", Ayer returned to his roots and wrote and directed "Bright" (2017), an urban fantasy film for Netflix. The film is set in an alternate reality in which humans, elves and orcs live together. Will Smith and Joel Edgerton took on the leading roles. Bright received mixed reviews but was a streaming success for Netflix and led to talks about a possible sequel.

In 2020, Ayer released "The Tax Collector", a brutal crime thriller that sheds light on the machinations of the Los Angeles underworld. Shia LaBeouf played a central role, but the film was criticized for its thin plot and lack of character development. Nevertheless, the film once again demonstrated Ayer's ability to create dark and atmospheric settings.

Current projects

In 2024, Ayer returned with "The Beekeeper", an action thriller starring Jason Statham. The film impressed with its dynamic action sequences and received more positive reviews than some of his previous works. "A Working Man" is also planned for this year, in which Jason Statham becomes involved in a criminal conspiracy.

Style and legacy

David Ayer has made a name for himself by exploring the darker aspects of society and power structures. His films are characterized by authentic characters, intense action and moral ambivalence. Although not all of his work has been critically acclaimed, Ayer remains a filmmaker who challenges and entertains audiences at the same time.