The Dog Stars
Teaser poster
Directed by Ridley Scott
Screenplay by Mark L. Smith[1]
Based on The Dog Stars
by Peter Heller
Produced by
  • Ridley Scott
  • Michael Pruss
  • Mark L. Smith
  • Cliff Roberts
Starring
  • Jacob Elordi
  • Josh Brolin
  • Margaret Qualley
  • Allison Janney
  • Guy Pearce
  • Benedict Wong
Cinematography Erik Messerschmidt
Edited by
  • Sam Restivo
  • Claire Simpson
Music by Harry Gregson-Williams
Production
companies
  • 20th Century Studios
  • Scott Free Productions
Distributed by 20th Century Studios
Release date
  • August 28, 2026 (2026-08-28)
Countries
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
Language English
Budget $110 million[2]

The Dog Stars is an upcoming post-apocalyptic science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Mark L. Smith, based on the 2012 novel by Peter Heller. It stars Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Allison Janney, Guy Pearce, and Benedict Wong.

The film is scheduled to be released in the United States by 20th Century Studios on August 28, 2026.

Premise

Set after a devastating flu pandemic that has almost eradicated humanity, the film centers on Hig, a former civilian pilot, and Bangley, a hardened ex-Marine as they confront outside threats and hold onto the possibility of a better life beyond where they currently live.[3]

Cast

  • Jacob Elordi as Hig, a civilian pilot living with his dog
  • Josh Brolin as Bangley, an aloof, gun-toting ex-Marine and Hig's companion
  • Margaret Qualley as Cima, a young medic and Hig's love interest
  • Allison Janney
  • Guy Pearce as Pops, a former Navy SEAL and Cima's father
  • Benedict Wong

Production

Development

Director Ridley Scott

In November 2024, Ridley Scott stated that after shooting his planned Bee Gees biopic, he wanted to direct a then-unrevealed sci-fi film, adding that "it's already written".[4] This project was later revealed to be based on the 2012 novel The Dog Stars by Peter Heller, adapted by Mark L. Smith and Christopher Wilkinson.[5] By this time, it was set to be Scott's next film, with filming set to begin in spring 2025.[6][7]

Casting

In November 2024, it was announced that Paul Mescal was in advanced negotiations to star in the film.[6][8] However, due to scheduling conflicts, it was later reported in January 2025 that Jacob Elordi was in early negotiations to replace Mescal.[9] In February, Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, and Guy Pearce were in final negotiations to join the cast.[10] In early May 2025, Benedict Wong joined the cast.[11]

Filming

Film set preparation in Avezzano in May 2025

Principal photography began in Bordano in April 2025.[12][13][14] From May 12 to 16, filming took place in Cansiglio, a plateau in the Alpine foothills.[15][16][17][18] Later that month, filming took place in Avezzano.[19] In June, production moved to Rome, where filming took place at Cinecittà Studios and in Casal Bernocchi [it] and the EUR.[20][21][22] Production concluded in late June 2025 after one-month filming in the natural landscape of Bosco Macchia Grande in Manziana,[23] near Rome.[24]

Release

The Dog Stars is scheduled to be released in the United States on August 28, 2026.[25] It was previously scheduled for March 27, 2026.[26][27]

References

  1. ^ "The Dog Stars". Writers Guild of America West. 6 August 2025. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  2. ^ Wenzel, John (21 June 2019). "Ridley Scott, Jacob Elordi bring Colorado author Peter Heller's 'The Dog Stars' to life". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on 11 February 2026. Retrieved 13 February 2026.
  3. ^ Yang, Katrina (23 May 2025). "Ridley Scott's Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Movie Sets 2026 Release Date". Screen Rant. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  4. ^ Lambie, Ryan (1 November 2024). "Ridley Scott says he's directing a mystery sci-fi film (exclusive)". Film Stories. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  5. ^ Bergesen, Samantha (7 January 2025). "Jacob Elordi in Talks to Replace Paul Mescal in Ridley Scott's 'The Dog Stars'". IndieWire. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
  6. ^ a b Kroll, Justin; Fleming Jr, Mike (8 November 2024). "Ridley Scott Back In Arena With 'Gladiator II' Star Paul Mescal On 'The Dog Stars' At 20th Century". Deadline. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  7. ^ Stephan, Katcy (8 November 2024). "Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal to Re-Team After 'Gladiator II' on 'The Dog Stars'". Variety. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  8. ^ Vlessing, Etan (8 November 2024). "Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal Reteam for 'The Dog Stars'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  9. ^ Siegel, Tatiana (7 January 2025). "Jacob Elordi in Talks to Replace Paul Mescal in Ridley Scott's 'The Dog Stars' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  10. ^ Kroll, Justin; Fleming Jr, Mike (12 February 2025). "Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin And Guy Pearce Join Jacob Elordi In Ridley Scott's Next Film 'The Dog Stars'". Deadline. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  11. ^ Grobar, Matt (8 May 2025). "Benedict Wong Joins Ridley Scott's 'The Dog Stars'". Deadline. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  12. ^ Polesini, Gian Paolo (12 April 2025). "Abbiamo cercato di avvicinarci al set di Ridley Scott in Friuli per scoprirne tutti i misteri". Messaggero Veneto (in Italian). Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  13. ^ D'Ascenzo, Sara (18 April 2025). "Cinema, il Cansiglio diventa set del kolossal di Ridley Scott: sentieri off limits e 500 comparse". Corriere del Veneto (in Italian). Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  14. ^ Benotti, Chiara (20 April 2025). "Ridley Scott, le riprese del film in Cansiglio: alberghi sold-out a Polcenigo". Messaggero Veneto (in Italian). Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  15. ^ Dal Mas, Francesco (9 May 2025). "Tir, cartelli e strade chiuse: il cinema di Ridley Scott sbarca in Cansiglio". La Tribuna di Treviso (in Italian). Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  16. ^ D'Ascenzo, Sara (13 May 2025). "Il nuovo film di Ridley Scott nella foresta del Cansiglio, sul set anche tre capre: «Hanno partecipato a un casting»". Corriere del Veneto (in Italian). Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  17. ^ Santolin, Rossana (13 May 2025). "Ridley Scott gira "The Dog Stars" in Cansiglio: il set hollywoodiano accende i riflettori sulle Prealpi". La Tribuna di Treviso (in Italian). Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  18. ^ Dal Mas, Francesco (17 May 2025). "Ridley Scott a Follina: fan a caccia di autografi e selfie". La Tribuna di Treviso (in Italian). Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  19. ^ Pagliaroli, Alice (17 April 2025). "Avezzano set per il film di Ridley Scott: riprese a maggio". Il Centro (in Italian). Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  20. ^ Valente, Emanuela (13 June 2025). "Roma set cinematografico: Casal Bernocchi apocalittica per Ridley Scott in "The Dog Stars"". Canale 10 [it] (in Italian). Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  21. ^ Musci, Anna (24 June 2025). "Roma, l'Eur si trasforma in un set: va in scena il nuovo film di Ridley Scott, auto in fiamme e un elicottero tra i palazzi". Il Messaggero (in Italian). Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  22. ^ Sernagiotto, Camilla (24 June 2025). "Ridley Scott a Roma all'Eur gira film post-apocalittico The Dog Stars". Sky TG24 (in Italian). Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  23. ^ "Ridley Scott, fine delle riprese ad Ovindoli". Il Capoluogo (in Italian). 2 June 2025. Retrieved 31 March 2026.
  24. ^ Jones, Tamera; Weintraub, Steven (7 June 2025). ""You Know What? F**k It": Ridley Scott Reveals The Truth Of What Happened With the 'Kingdom of Heaven' Director's Cut [Exclusive]". Collider. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  25. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (22 December 2025). "Disney Moves Around 'Ready Or Not 2', 'Dog Stars' & Pixar's 'Gatto' In 2026 & 2027 Release Calendars". Retrieved 22 December 2025.
  26. ^ Grobar, Matt (22 May 2025). "Disney Pushes Next Two 'Avengers' Movies; Dates 'The Dog Stars' & 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'". Deadline. Archived from the original on 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  27. ^ Jackson, Angelique; Saperstein, Pat (22 May 2025). "'The Devil Wears Prada' Sequel Set for May 2026; Ridley Scott's 'The Dog Stars' Dated for March". Variety. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
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