Hollywood in Queenstown! Inside Brad Pitt’s High-Security Blockbuster Shoot

A new Hollywood blockbuster is in the works in Queenstown, with none other than Brad Pitt leading the charge. The iconic actor, known for his roles in Fight Club, the Ocean’s franchise, Legends of the Fall, Thelma and Louise, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Inglourious Basterds, arrived in the South Island’s adventure capital in mid-February to begin filming for his latest project.

Pitt, 61, has kept a low profile in the picturesque town, with his security team and entourage ensuring his privacy. Locals have been buzzing about his presence, though, as the megastar has been transported by helicopter and blacked-out SUVs to and from his film set.

The stunning backdrop of Queenstown is being used to portray Alaska in Pitt’s upcoming film, Heart of the Beast. The film will follow the journey of an ex-Navy Seal and his retired combat dog as they struggle to return to civilization after a life-changing accident in the wilderness. Pitt’s production company, Plan B, is behind the project, with Paramount Pictures on board for distribution.

Filming began today, with scenes shot on the serene Lake Wakatipu and around the breathtaking Mt Aspiring National Park. A North American seaplane was captured in flight, trailed by a helicopter capturing the action from above. The film’s crew has set up camp nearby, with trucks, tents, and a heavy security presence keeping the set under wraps.

A public notice issued last month informed locals of the upcoming activities, alerting them to increased traffic and other disruptions as filming progresses. The production will take place between March 3 and April 10, 2025, in the Glenorchy area, and additional shoots are scheduled for the renowned Milford Sounds and Paradise, a site that has previously appeared in The Lord of the Rings and X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

While Queenstown residents are excited about the high-profile production, some are experiencing the quiet thrill of having one of the world’s most recognizable stars in their midst. There have been rumors that Pitt attended the New Zealand Open at Millbrook Resort last weekend and may have filmed a commercial for his global ambassador role with De’Longhi.

Reports also suggest that Pitt’s girlfriend, Swiss jewelry designer Ines de Ramon, may join him in Queenstown during the shoot, further fueling speculation about the star’s private life. As expected, the Hollywood megastar has brought a heavy security detail, with sources claiming that the level of protection is unprecedented for a film production in New Zealand.

Heart of the Beast marks Pitt’s reunion with director David Ayer, with whom he collaborated on the 2014 war drama Fury. The film is being produced by Oscar-winning filmmaker Damien Chazelle, known for Whiplash and La La Land, alongside actress Olivia Hamilton.

As the production continues, Queenstown will remain a key location in the creation of yet another high-profile film, cementing its place as a sought-after destination for filmmakers from around the world.