EXCLUSIVE: After the sudden news that David Harbour was leaving the Searchlight Pictures drama Behemoth! for personal reasons, the studio has moved fast and found a familiar face to replace him. Sources tell Deadline that Will Arnett is joining Pedro Pascal in the Tony Gilroy-directed film, which also stars Olivia Wilde, Eva Victor, Matthew Lillard, Margarita Levieva and Alexa Swinton.
Production started in late October, but insiders say the scenes involving Harbour that have to be reshot are minimal, given that he was doing a lot of Stranger Things press. The recasting should not delay the shoot’s ending, which was expected in the coming weeks, sources said.
Searchlight has kept Behemoth!‘s logline under wraps, though it’s understood that the film revolves around a cellist. Gilroy is directing from his own script and producing alongside Sanne Wohlenberg and John Gilroy (Andor). SVP Production Rayne Roberts and Creative Executive Cameron Chidsey are overseeing for Searchlight Pictures, reporting to Heads of Production and Development DanTram Nguyen and Katie Goodson-Thomas.
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The new role for Arnett marks another major dramatic swing for the actor following his critically acclaimed starring role in the Searchlight pic Is This Thing On! which bowed over the holidays. Known more for his comedic roles, his latest performance in the Bradley Cooper directed dramedy has earned him the best reviews of his career with the industry seeing him in completely different light. Given how well things have gone with Is This Thing On?, sources say once they knew Harbour would have to be replaced, Arnett felt like a perfect choice to step in.
His other credits include other credits including The Lego Movie, The Morning Show, BoJack Horseman, and Arrested Development. He was nominated for a Golden Globe for his podcast SmartLess, hosted by Jason Bateman, Arnett, and Sean Hayes.
Arnett is repped by CAA.
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