Nashville is gaining more traction in the film and TV industry as Brad Pitt and Paramount recently announced that the world premiere of their blockbuster survival film, "Heart of the Beast," will be held at Franklin's FirstBank Amphitheater on Sept. 16.
Originally reported by Page Six, the news comes amid the growing hype around Nashville becoming a potential industry hub due to several films having premiered here in recent months and because Paramount CEO David Ellison has floated the idea of relocating the industry giant to Nashville due to the 12-state antitrust lawsuit blocking its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.
According to Page Six, the decision to host the premiere was neither Ellison's nor Paramount's choice; it was Pitt's. The A-list
actor chose Nashville because he wanted an outdoor venue away from New York and Los Angeles. Furthermore, the firm's box office tracking showed that the film's audience is in the Heartland, not on the coasts, Page Six reported.
What is Brad Pitt's 'Heart of the Beast' about?
Starring Pitt and J.K. Simmons, "Heart of the Beast" is a survival thriller about former Special Forces officer James Belmont, whose plane crashes in the remote Alaskan wilderness. Stranded with his retired combat dog, Odin, Belmont battles extreme weather, rugged terrain, wildlife, and his own emotional turmoil.
Directed by David Ayer, who previously worked with Pitt on "Fury," the story focuses heavily on the bond between Belmont and Odin, blending elements of "Marley & Me" and "The Revenant."
Which major films have premiered in Nashville in recent history?
Since 2020, Nashville has hosted several major movie premieres and exclusive screenings.
This summer, Netflix's "Young Washington," a historical retelling of George Washington's youth, premiered at Belmont's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on June 23.
"I just love the South, and I love the people, and I love that I get to make content that resonates deeply with the heartland,” the film's Nashville-based director Jon Erwin said at the film premiere.
Months after the "Young Washington" premiere, Matthew McConaughey made a stop at the Belcourt Theatre in August for an exclusive screening of his recently released film, "The Rivals of Amziah King."
In addition to "Young Washington" and "The Rivals of Amziah King," Nashville has hosted special screenings of "A Complete Unknown," "Saturday Night," "Elvis," and "My Old A**."
Is Paramount really moving to Nashville?
As Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount continue to fight the antitrust lawsuit blocking their merger, Tennessee officials are making pitches to attract the business of Paramount Skydance to the Volunteer State.
Stuart McWhorter, the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, noted that Tennessee offers enticing tax incentives and business-friendly policies.
"Few leaders have the opportunity to redefine an iconic company while simultaneously shaping the future of an industry,” McWhorter wrote in a letter on July 2. “As you look ahead, I encourage you to consider Tennessee as the home for that future.”
Shortly after McWhorter's letter, Gov. Bill Lee joined the recruitment effort, announcing that Tennessee is actively pursuing Paramount's business in a social media post.
"Tennessee is a place where innovation and creativity thrive," Lee wrote. "Paramount has played an important role in shaping American culture, & we’d welcome the opportunity to see the next chapter of that story unfold in the Volunteer State.”
While Paramount has not publicly committed to relocating, a long-time advisor to Ellison told the Hollywood Reporter that "everything is on the table."
Peter Burditt covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact him at PBurditt@nashvill.gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Brad Pitt reportedly chose Nashville for his film's world premiere. Here's why
