Tony Gilroy's Behemoth! Will Have Its World Premiere as the Centerpiece of the 64th New York Film Festival.

      Marking his first feature in 14 years (and his first original screenplay in 17), Tony Gilroy's Behemoth! is set to have its world premiere as the Centerpiece selection of the 64th New York Film Festival. It will screen at Alice Tully Hall on Friday, October 2, with Gilroy, Pedro Pascal, and other cast members present. This also represents the first NYFF Centerpiece selection to premiere globally in the last ten years, the most recent being Mike Mills's 20th Century Women in 2016.

      According to the NYFF synopsis: “Pedro Pascal delivers the performance of his career thus far as Alex, a cellist piecing together a shattered life, in this American drama marked by remarkable intelligence, humor, and elegance from Academy Award–nominated writer-director Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton). Alex, a former child prodigy overshadowed by an illustrious musical family, has left his position with a Chicago orchestra—escaping a tumultuous relationship with a volatile ex (a powerful performance by Olivia Wilde)—and returned to Los Angeles to compose scores for Hollywood films and address unresolved family matters. Employing a clever flashback structure to navigate his adult life and skillfully incorporating a variety of original movie compositions to enhance and reflect the narrative (with a soundtrack that features nine of the industry's top musicians), Gilroy transforms Alex’s quest for stability, significance, and redemption into an intricately crafted drama of the highest caliber. Behemoth! stands as a powerful, smart tribute to music's influence, culminating in an emotionally charged climax, and showcases outstanding supporting performances from Eva Victor, Alexa Swinton, Kaya Ralls, Erik Griffin, JoBeth Williams, and Margarita Levieva, along with Hank Azaria and Will Arnett. This is a release by Searchlight Pictures."

      “I have been associated with NYFF for most of my life,” stated Gilroy. “I was introduced to it through Fitzcarraldo. I was bartending nearby, and a patron gave me a single ticket as a tip. Though it was a poor seat, it was the most extraordinary screening I had ever witnessed. Many memorable nights followed. Receiving this Centerpiece invitation feels like a dream I’ve envisioned more times than I can count. NYFF has always set the standard for me; the chance to premiere a film I am eager to share, in that venue, for that audience, is as exhilarating as I hoped it would be. I am truly honored.”

      “We are thrilled to host the world premiere of Tony Gilroy’s long-awaited return to the big screen as this year's NYFF Centerpiece," remarked Dennis Lim, the NYFF Artistic Director. “There is so much to appreciate in this impeccably crafted film, from its innovative use of music to its flawless ensemble cast. At the center of it all is a remarkable performance by Pedro Pascal, making it one of the standout performances of the year from one of our genuine movie stars.”

      The 64th New York Film Festival, which kicks off with James Gray’s Paper Tiger and wraps up with Ava DuVernay’s 14th, is set to run from September 25 to October 12, 2026, with passes now available for purchase.

      Watch the teaser for Behemoth! below and find out more here: