Brad Pitt is set to take the leading role in the upcoming film ‘The Riders,’ directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Edward Berger, with production scheduled to begin in 2026 and global distribution backed by A24. The announcement comes as both the actor and director bring major industry recognition, with Pitt recently seen at the Oscars in Hollywood and Berger taking home the International Feature Film Oscar for his adaptation of ‘All Quiet on the Western Front,’ last year.
The film marks a significant collaboration between Brad Pitt, who continues to be one of Hollywood’s most dependable marquee stars, and Edward Berger, a German director celebrated for his intense, visually compelling dramas. ‘The Riders’ is a film adaptation of Tim Winton’s 1994 Booker Prize-nominated novel, and the project has been a point of interest in the film industry for more than two decades. After a competitive bidding war for the rights, A24 secured both financing and distribution, affirming high expectations for the project. The screenplay adaptation has been handled by David Kajganich, whose credits include ‘Suspiria,’ ‘Bones and All,’ and the AMC series ‘The Terror.’
The story of ‘The Riders’ follows Fred Scully, a character who faces a devastating mystery when his wife disappears without warning in Ireland, leaving him alone with their seven-year-old daughter. Scully and his family, originally from Australia, had been living in Europe when they decided to settle on an old farmhouse in Ireland. As renovation work began, Scully’s wife returned to Australia with their daughter to settle affairs, leaving Scully in anticipation of their return. However, the reunion goes awry; when Scully arrives at the airport, only his daughter appears, unable to explain her mother’s absence. A desperate journey through Europe ensues as Scully and his daughter search for answers, confronting emotional hardship and profound uncertainty.
For Brad Pitt, this dramatic and psychologically complex role offers the opportunity to showcase his range and depth as a performer, stepping into a narrative marked by both suspense and emotional gravity. Industry insiders have commented on Pitt’s tendency to select scripts that offer substantial personal or artistic challenge, and ‘The Riders’ appears poised to offer such depth. The collaboration with Edward Berger is particularly noteworthy, given Berger’s reputation for layered, contemplative storytelling, most recently demonstrated in ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ and ‘The Ballad of a Small Player,’ his upcoming Netflix release starring Colin Farrell.
The journey to bring ‘The Riders’ to the big screen has been extensive. Since the early 2000s, the film has attracted the interest of various actors, including Sam Worthington, Mark Strong, and Luke Hemsworth. Several high-profile production companies have at times acquired the rights, but a finished film never materialized. It was not until Ridley Scott’s Scott Free Productions joined forces with Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment and Edward Berger’s own banner that the project achieved forward momentum. The current team is positioning the film for both critical recognition and audience engagement, with principal photography still several years away.
Brad Pitt’s current and upcoming projects underpin the momentum behind his involvement in ‘The Riders.’ He will soon appear in the Formula One drama ‘F1,’ directed by Joseph Kosinski, which is scheduled to be released in late June and has received significant media attention for its high-octane racing sequences and star-driven cast. Additionally, Pitt is set to begin filming for Netflix’s anticipated sequel, ‘The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ helmed by David Fincher and building on the legacy of Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.’ These projects suggest that Brad Pitt remains committed to a dynamic slate of roles, embracing both commercial appeal and audience expectation while continuing to challenge himself artistically.
The creative collaboration at the core of ‘The Riders’ stands out within the international film community. Edward Berger, lauded for his focus and craftsmanship, brings an acclaimed directorial eye, while Brad Pitt offers the central performance, conveying the psychological turmoil and search for meaning underpinning Tim Winton’s celebrated source material. The adaptation’s script by David Kajganich further signals an intent to deliver an emotionally rich film that respects both the complexity and the suspense of the original novel.
Industry observers are watching the project closely, particularly given the involvement of A24, known for selecting and supporting films that push artistic boundaries. The alignment of Pitt and Berger, underpinned by A24’s reputation for high-caliber drama, heightens anticipation that ‘The Riders’ may become both an awards contender and a significant cinematic event. Though the film will not begin shooting until 2026, industry signals already point to high expectations from both audiences and critics.
In terms of impact, Brad Pitt’s role in ‘The Riders’ could further cement his legacy as an actor capable of carrying both emotionally demanding and innovative projects. The story’s blending of psychological intrigue and familial drama fits well with current trends favoring intensive character studies, while Edward Berger’s proven talent for adapting complex novels promises a film both rich and resonant. As production approaches, the film industry will be looking to ‘The Riders’ as an example of how revered talent and strong literary foundations can combine for powerful, thought-provoking cinema.
With Brad Pitt at the center of a harrowing and suspenseful story, guided by Edward Berger’s award-winning vision, ‘The Riders’ stands as one of the most anticipated film projects of the coming years. The partnership among celebrated creative forces, coupled with the industry’s ongoing interest in major adaptations, ensures that this film will remain prominent in cultural and entertainment conversations as its release draws nearer.
