Oscar-winning actor Brad Pitt is set to arrive on the scenic, car-free island of Hydra in Greece in late February 2026 to star in The Riders, a new feature directed by Edward Berger. The production marks a significant moment for the island, bringing extensive activity as hundreds of cast and crew members will come to support the shoot, which is expected to continue through mid-March.
About the Film and Its Story
The Riders is based on the novel by Tim Winton and features a gripping storyline in which a father, played by Pitt, collects his daughter from the airport, only to discover that his wife has mysteriously disappeared. This discovery sets off a frantic quest as he attempts to find her. The film’s intense family drama is set against the backdrop of Hydra, enhancing its cinematic appeal.
Hydra’s Growing Role in International Film Projects
Mayor Giorgos Koukoudakis expressed pride in Hydra’s renewed spotlight within the Hollywood film scene, recalling that the island was Greece’s first location for an American production with “Boy on a Dolphin” starring Sophia Loren in 1957. More recently, Greece has hosted other major international shoots, including Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey filmed in Messinia, further cementing the country’s growing importance in global cinema.
The Significance of This Production for Greece
The arrival of Brad Pitt and the large-scale production crew not only highlights Greece’s appeal to filmmakers but also suggests potential positive economic and cultural impacts for Hydra and surrounding regions. As The Riders unfolds during the coming months, the project is poised to draw international attention, showcasing Greek landscapes and talent to a broad audience, while continuing the nation’s ongoing collaboration with the global film industry.
“hundreds of cast and crew members will arrive for the shoot, which is expected to run into mid-March.” – Giorgos Koukoudakis, Mayor of Hydra
