Meet Uber, the Real Dog Starring in Heart of the Beast
Heart of the Beast, starring Brad Pitt, is now in theaters and features a real German Shepherd named Uber as Odin. Uber, who is six years old, shared the role with three of his offspring, according to trainer Andrew Simpson. He spent two years in police academy but did not become a police dog, and a 12-person team cared for the dogs on set.
Uber, a six-year-old German Shepherd, plays Odin in Heart of the Beast, the Brad Pitt film about a Special Forces veteran and his combat dog stranded in the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash. Trainer Andrew Simpson said Uber shared the part with three of his offspring because they resemble him; Uber had fathered ten litters.
Before acting, Uber spent two years in police academy but did not qualify, which Simpson attributed to his gentle nature. He later accompanied a Queenstown rescue-helicopter paramedic. On set, a twelve-person team—including trainers, makeup, prosthetics, and costume staff—looked after the animals, and the dogs were given separate trailers.
The film’s use of a real dog may deepen audience attachment to animal performers and prompt greater interest in how animals are trained and cared for on sets. Moviegoers who bond with Uber could seek out adoption or support for working dogs, while trainers and animal-welfare observers may discuss standards for animal actors. Because the story centers on a veteran and his dog, it could also resonate with military and first-responder communities.