Gilroy and Pascal Redefine 'Passive' in New Drama Behemoth!
Tony Gilroy and Pedro Pascal discuss the non-chronological structure and cello-centric performance of their new drama, Behemoth!, which premiered at the New York Film Festival. Gilroy describes Pascal’s character, Alex Serian, as a 'passenger' who is not passive, a dynamic inspired by Marcello Mastroianni. The film, which opens in theaters on December 4, features Pascal learning the cello under strict time constraints, a challenge he accepted despite uncertainty about his ability to master the instrument quickly.
Key points
- Behemoth! received its world premiere at the New York Film Festival on October 2, 2026.
- The film stars Pedro Pascal as Alex Serian, a concert cellist transitioning to film scoring.
- Tony Gilroy stated he has never written a character quite like Alex, describing him as a 'passenger' in his own life but not passive.
- Gilroy cited Marcello Mastroianni’s performance in the 1977 film A Special Day as the primary inspiration for this character dynamic.
- Pedro Pascal admitted he was unsure if he could learn the cello well enough in the limited preparation time available.
- The narrative structure is non-chronological, revealing the character’s career and upbringing in a fragmented manner.
Background
Pedro Pascal has maintained a high-profile schedule in 2026, including voice work for the LEGO Star Wars special and live-action commitments in The Mandalorian. His availability for Behemoth! required careful coordination, as he previously faced scheduling conflicts that led to other projects being recast or delayed. This film marks a return to dramatic, character-driven storytelling for Tony Gilroy, following his work in the Star Wars franchise and other action-oriented projects.
Why it matters
The collaboration between a veteran screenwriter and a major star highlights a shift toward intimate, performance-driven dramas in the current film landscape. The emphasis on real-time skill acquisition, such as Pascal learning the cello, suggests a renewed interest in authenticity and physical commitment in acting, moving away from purely digital or stunt-based performances. The non-chronological structure also indicates a continued trend in prestige cinema toward complex narrative forms that challenge traditional linear storytelling.
What to watch
Behemoth! will open in theaters on December 4, 2026. Audience reception and critical reviews following the New York Film Festival premiere will likely influence its box office performance and potential award recognition. The success of this project may also influence future collaborations between Gilroy and Pascal, as well as the broader trend of actors taking on demanding physical or musical roles for dramatic films.
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