Ridley Scott returns to science fiction with "The Dog Stars" - a post-apocalyptic story with a different take on the end of the world
After the success of "„Gladiator 2“" the legendary director Ridley Scott is once again heading towards the genre with which he left an indelible mark on cinema. In just two months, viewers will be able to see his new science fiction thriller "„The Dog Stars“", which promises to offer a different perspective on life after a global catastrophe.
The film is an adaptation of Peter Heller's 2012 novel of the same name, which became an international bestseller and received high marks from literary critics. The main role is entrusted to Jacob Elordi, known from the series "„Euphoria“" and nominated for an Oscar.
The story follows Higg, one of the few survivors of a deadly pandemic. While traveling across a ravaged and dangerous America, he picks up a mysterious radio signal that gives him hope that there are still people out there. Determined to find the source of the transmission, the hero embarks on a perilous journey through a world where every step he takes could be his last.
In an interview with Empire magazine, Ridley Scott admitted that he was initially unsure whether he even wanted to adapt the novel into a film.
According to the director, in recent years, cinema has been oversaturated with stories about the end of civilization, and he did not want to simply repeat already familiar plots.
„"There are too many apocalypse movies these days. I didn't want to make another version of The road or another zombie story like World War Z. "At first, I wondered what new things I could possibly say on the subject," Scott says.
The change came after he read the script by Mark L. Smith, known for his work on The Return.
The director explains that it was the script that convinced him to join the project, because the story is not solely about the struggle for survival.
„"Despite the bleak setting, the film carries a strong sense of hope. The most important message is that people need each other, no matter how hard times are," he says.
Scott adds that action scenes have never been a challenge for him, as this type of cinema is one of his strongest points.
The film stars Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin as a former Marine, who join forces to find salvation in a devastated world.
The lead role was originally intended for Paul Mescal, with whom Scott worked on "„Gladiator 2“". Due to his commitment to the upcoming biopics about The Beatles however, the actor dropped out of the project and his place was taken by Elordi.
The director reveals that he has been following the young star's development for a long time.
„"I had my eye on Jacob before. He grew up on a farm, he knows how to drive tractors, he gets along great with dogs, and he's a natural in the outdoors. After our first meeting, I knew he was the right choice for the role," Scott says.
With more than four decades behind the camera, Ridley Scott is the director behind iconic sci-fi classics like The Alien и Blade Runner, as well as behind successful titles such as The Martian, Prometheus и The Alien: Covenant. That is why expectations for his new project are particularly high.
The premiere of "„The Dog Stars“" is scheduled for August 28, 2026, when the film will hit theaters with distribution by 20th Century Studios.
