David Harbour Steps Away from Tony Gilroy’s ‘Behemoth!’
A major casting shake-up hits Tony Gilroy’s latest film as David Harbour bows out, leaving fans speculating about the future of the much-anticipated project.
David Harbour, well-known for his role in the Netflix phenomenon, has decided to withdraw from Tony Gilroy’s upcoming feature, leaving the production team to seek a replacement. The decision comes on the heels of an intense filming schedule for the final chapter of the celebrated sci-fi series, which wrapped up with a two-hour finale broadcast on New Year’s Day 2026. Harbour’s absence from the cast list has certainly raised eyebrows, especially given the star-studded ensemble already attached to the project.
Gilroy, who both penned and directs the film for Searchlight Pictures, has assembled a rather eclectic group of performers. The story centres on Alex Serian, a musician hailing from a family steeped in musical tradition, who finds himself back in Los Angeles. The narrative is described as a tribute to the music woven through cinema and the individuals behind it. Among those joining the cast are Pedro Pascal, Olivia Wilde, Eva Victor, Matthew Lillard, Alexa Swinton, Margarite Levieva, and Barry Livingston—each bringing their own flair to the production.
Behind the Scenes: Method and Music
During a recent appearance on a popular podcast, Gilroy shed light on Pascal’s preparation for his role, which has not gone unnoticed by onlookers. Pascal, it turns out, has been spotted carting a cello about town. Gilroy explained, “He’s a cellist in the film. He’s practising the cello very diligently and plus, we want him to be able to carry the cello anywhere he can because... when we did The Devil’s Advocate, when Keanu [Reeves] first came in I remember we were like, ‘He’s gonna be a lawyer? Oh my God...’, and I remember Taylor Hackford said three months out: ‘You gotta put a suit on now and you’re never f****** taking that suit off until we start shooting’, because he looked so weird in a suit. Three months later, he’d worn a suit everywhere he ever went and he had, like, it worked. And carrying a cello case will turn you into a cellist if you do it long enough.”
Such dedication to authenticity is hardly new in the industry, but it does add a certain intrigue to the production, especially as fans speculate about how the musical elements will be woven into the film’s fabric. The combination of Gilroy’s direction and a cast willing to immerse themselves so fully in their roles has set expectations rather high.
Harbour’s Departure: A Personal Toll
Harbour’s decision to step away appears rooted in the emotional and physical demands of his previous commitment. Speaking at a fan convention last autumn, he reflected on the impact of concluding a decade-long journey with the series.
“I mean, it’s so surreal... for me, reactions are always delayed. I almost couldn’t process it. I can’t tell you what our last day on set was, because it’s a huge spoiler, but it was a very big culmination... and I couldn’t believe that that was our last day. I was like, ‘Oh my God. They really did time it so that the biggest thing that happens in the series for him, in a certain way, is this moment.’ And so I was really focused on playing the crap out of that moment too. And then it just happens, and it’s just over.
He went on to describe the challenge of moving on from such a significant chapter in his career.
“I’ve known those guys, the Duffer Brothers, for 10 years, and we’ve been through so much together, and that cast and that crew, it’s just like, it’s really hard to process. It took me, like, another six months to really know how I felt to be honest. It really just passed through so quickly. It felt very, very surreal.”
What Lies Ahead for ‘Behemoth!’
With Harbour’s exit, the production faces the task of recasting a key role, though the remaining line-up remains impressive. The film’s premise—a heartfelt nod to the music that shapes cinema—continues to generate buzz, particularly with Pascal’s commitment to his character’s musical prowess. As anticipation builds, audiences are left to wonder who will step into the role vacated by Harbour and how the ensemble will come together under Gilroy’s direction.