Pedro Pascal Stars in Tony Gilroy's Musical Drama 'Behemoth!'

Searchlight Pictures has released the first look at Tony Gilroy's upcoming musical drama, 'Behemoth!', marking the director's return to feature films and Pedro Pascal's first undisputed big-screen leading role. The film centers on Alex, played by Pascal, a prodigal cellist and third-generation studio musician who returns to Los Angeles after a 20-year absence performing symphonic work. The narrative spans a fictional 25-year timeline, employing a unique storytelling structure where Alex's performance of fictional movie score cues triggers sensory flashbacks revealing the reasons for his departure from Hollywood.

Pascal underwent extensive training to authentically portray a professional musician, finding the technical demands of the cello, including fingerwork and bow posture, more challenging than his physical preparation for 'Gladiator II'. The film's score is a significant element, with director Tony Gilroy opting for an unconventional approach. Instead of a single composer, the music was created by a nine-person collective known as the 'Behemoth!' Collective. This group comprises notable figures from the film music industry, including Michael Giacchino, Alan Silvestri, James Newton Howard, Michael Abels, Emily Bear, Lukas Frank, Henry Jackman, Nami Melumad, and Brandon Roberts.

The supporting cast includes Will Arnett as Alex's brother, Eva Victor as a fellow cellist and love interest, and Olivia Wilde. The film's exploration of music and its connection to memory and personal history is central to its narrative. The collaborative score aims to reflect the film's thematic focus on orchestration and the multifaceted nature of musical creation within the context of Alex's life story.