David Harbour Steps Away From Behemoth Amid Mental Health Battle
Stranger Things star David Harbour has exited Pedro Pascal’s new film Behemoth, with reports pointing to his ongoing struggle with bipolar disorder. Find out what led to his decision and what’s next for the much-anticipated project.
Fresh off wrapping up his time on Stranger Things, David Harbour has decided to take a breather from the spotlight, prioritising his mental health. Word’s out that he’s pulled the pin on Pedro Pascal’s upcoming film Behemoth, according to the latest whispers from the celebrity grapevine. For those not in the know, Harbour has been open about living with bipolar disorder, and it seems the pressure’s been mounting lately.
The Thunderbolts* actor had been filming in Los Angeles alongside Olivia Wilde, but has since chosen to step away from the project. A source close to the situation shared that Harbour had
“encountered a challenging moment related to his mental health, and as a result, is taking a break from work to focus on his well-being.”
Those in his inner circle are said to be backing his decision, recognising the need for a proper rest and recovery.
Harbour’s Journey With Bipolar Disorder
Back in 2018, Harbour spoke candidly about his experience with bipolar disorder on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast. He described how, in his mid-twenties, a period of exploring Catholicism and staying sober for over a year led to a significant manic episode. During this time, he felt an overwhelming sense of connection and believed he had
“all the answers”
and a direct line to something greater. He made it clear this wasn’t brought on by drugs, but rather his mind’s own way of blurring reality and imagination.
His parents ended up admitting him to a mental health facility for a short stint, an experience that left a lasting mark on his understanding of his own mental health. On the podcast, Harbour detailed decades spent grappling with anxiety, self-doubt, mania, fear, sobriety, and the ongoing challenge of figuring out who he is.
For those unfamiliar, bipolar disorder—once called manic depression—is a condition that brings on intense mood swings, from emotional highs (mania or hypomania) to lows (depression). These episodes can pop up rarely or several times a year, with each one usually sticking around for a few days.
Behemoth Carries On Without Harbour
With Harbour stepping back after a tough run of press and a demanding filming schedule, Behemoth is moving forward with a new face in his role. Reports suggest the part has already been recast, though the replacement hasn’t been named just yet.
Details about the film’s storyline are still pretty thin on the ground. The official blurb says it’s about
“a musician from a family of musicians who returns to Los Angeles.”
The project is described as
“a love letter to the music of the movies and the people who make it.”
The script comes from Tony Gilroy, who’s also directing and producing alongside Sanne Wohlenberg. The cast features Eva Victor, Matthew Lillard, Alexa Swinton, Margarita Levieva, and Barry Livingston, with Searchlight Pictures handling distribution.