Brad Pitt and Apple Original Films Reunite for 1970s Drama Connector
The Oscar-winning actor will star in and produce a new period piece project.
1Strategic Production Partnership
Brad Pitt and Apple Original Films are collaborating on a new feature film titled Connector. This project follows their successful partnership on the sports movie F1, which achieved record-breaking box office results. Pitt will produce the film through his Plan B banner alongside Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, continuing their established industry alliance.
2Setting and Narrative Focus
The film is set in 1970s New York City and centers on a working-class ironworker. This protagonist is described as a legend who confronts forces significantly larger than himself. The screenplay was written by Darius Marder and his sister, Nina Marder, based on an original story developed by filmmaker Derek Cianfrance.
3Directorial Vision and Experience
Darius Marder is attached to direct the feature, marking his first project since his 2020 debut Sound of Metal. That previous film earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. It ultimately secured two Oscars for Best Sound and Best Film Editing, establishing Marder as a notable creative force.
4Development and Production Timeline
The project is currently in the development phase with no official release date announced. Sources indicate that Pitt is considering this film as a potential production for 2027. The creative team had been discussing the script for some time before finalizing the latest draft, which solidified Pitt's interest in the lead role.
5Expanding Apple's Creative Slate
Apple Studios will serve as the primary studio for the production. This deal is part of a broader expansion for Apple Original Films, which recently acquired The Waffle House Index, also produced by Plan B. The company continues to leverage its strong relationship with Pitt's production banner to secure high-profile cinematic content.
6Recent Career Momentum
Brad Pitt is coming off a productive period, including the survival thriller Heart of the Beast, which grossed nearly $200 million globally. He is also involved in The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth and the upcoming A24 film The Riders. These projects highlight his current focus on diverse, character-driven storytelling roles.
7Collaborative Industry Dynamics
The collaboration between Plan B and Apple extends beyond Connector. They are also working on a feature starring Mark Wahlberg, written and directed by Stephen Chbosky. These recurring partnerships suggest a deliberate strategy to maintain consistent production pipelines between the studio and the production company, ensuring a steady stream of upcoming features.
8Future Industry Outlook
As the film moves through development, the industry will watch how Marder translates his intimate, sound-focused directorial style to a 1970s period piece. With Pitt’s star power and Apple’s distribution capabilities, Connector represents a significant investment in prestige drama, aiming to replicate the critical and commercial success of their previous collaborations.
Original article: Deadline — Brad Pitt and Apple Original Films Reunite for 1970s Drama Connector