# Ridley Scott's The Dog Stars – Premiere & Release Updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ridley-scotts-the-dog-stars-release
> Updated: 2026-09-10T09:15:42.000Z. Sources: 274. Developments: 20.

Following its world premiere in London on 20 August 2026, Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic thriller ‘The Dog Stars’ saw a theatrical release in the United States on 28 August. Based on Peter Heller’s 2012 novel, the film follows a former mechanic named Hig, played by Jacob Elordi, as he navigates a world devastated by a flu pandemic alongside his friend Bangley, played by Josh Brolin. The cast also features Margaret Qualley and Guy Pearce.

Set near Denver, Colorado, ten years in the future, the story depicts a world decimated by a deadly virus and a debilitating blood disease. The film marks a return to the science fiction genre for Scott, known for works such as ‘Alien’ and ‘Blade Runner’.

Critical reception remains polarized. While some reviewers have characterized the film as an “intimate, contemplative work” or a “character-driven thriller,” others have criticized it for being “painfully generic.” On Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s favorability rating has fluctuated between 38% and 41%, though audience scores have reached 70%. Some critics have described the film as one of the “most tedious entries” in Scott’s career.

Financially, the film has struggled to meet expectations relative to its reported $80 million budget. It earned approximately $19 million worldwide during its opening weekend, with roughly $7.7 million from the US market. Recent data indicates a significant box office failure, noting a 77% decline in its second Friday, which earned only $700,000. With production costs estimated between $70 million and $110 million, the film is unlikely to recoup its costs. This performance adds to a recent string of financial disappointments for Scott, including ‘Gladiator II’, ‘Napoleon’, and ‘House of Gucci’.

## Claims

- Ridley Scott's new film is titled 'The Dog Stars' (or 'La constelación del perro'). (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Ridley Scott directed the film The Dog Stars. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The film is based on the novel by Peter Heller. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The setting follows a devastating flu epidemic that decimated the human population. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin play the lead roles of Hig and Bangley. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The film is set in the year 2035 following a global pandemic caused by a deadly flu that wiped out most of humanity. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The story takes place in Colorado, USA. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Jacob Elordi plays the character Hig, a mechanic who flies a Cessna to scavenge supplies. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Josh Brolin portrays Bangley, a military survival expert and sniper. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The film 'The Dog Stars' is based on the post-apocalyptic novel by Peter Heller. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The film 'The Dog Stars' is an adaptation of Peter Heller’s 2012 novel. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The film stars Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Hollywood figures Ridley Scott and Nicole Kidman make news

Ridley Scott casts 12-year-old Diego Maggio in his new film ‘The Dog Stars’, while stars like Nicole Kidman and Chloé Zhao train as death doulas.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hollywood-figures-ridley-scott-and-nicole-kidman-make-news

### 2026-09-08: Ridley Scott releases post-apocalyptic film Dog Stars

Ridley Scott releases “Dog Stars,” a post-apocalyptic science fiction film set near Denver, while confirming a sequel to “Alien: Covenant” is in development.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scott-releases-post-apocalyptic-film-dog-stars

### 2026-09-04: Ridley Scott's 'The Dog Stars' suffers major box office failure

Ridley Scott’s new film ‘The Dog Stars’ has become a major box office flop, earning significantly less than its $70M–$110M budget amid poor critical reviews and declining viewership.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scott-film-the-dog-stars-fails-at-the-box-office

### 2026-09-03: Ridley Scott denies replacing Paul Mescal in new film

Ridley Scott's representatives have denied rumors that Paul Mescal was replaced in ‘The Dog Stars’ due to masculinity concerns, citing scheduling conflicts with a Beatles biopic instead.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scott-and-paul-mescal-face-reports-of-creative-tension

### 2026-09-02: The Dog Stars earns $8M in US opening weekend

Ridley Scott’s ‘The Dog Stars,’ starring Jacob Elordi, earned $8 million in its US opening weekend, failing to meet its $80 million budget amid casting speculation and lukewarm reviews.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/the-dog-stars-earns-8m-in-us-opening-weekend

### 2026-09-01: Ridley Scott reportedly replaced Paul Mescal in ‘The Dog Stars’

Ridley Scott reportedly blamed Paul Mescal for ‘Gladiator II’s’ performance and replaced him with Jacob Elordi in ‘The Dog Stars’ after claiming the actor lacked sufficient masculinity for the role.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scott-reportedly-replaced-paul-mescal-in-the-dog-stars

### 2026-08-30: The Dog Stars earns $19.3 million global opening weekend

Ridley Scott’s ‘The Dog Stars’ earned a disappointing $19.3 million global opening weekend against an $80 million budget, facing mixed reviews and low domestic box office numbers.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/the-dog-stars-earns-193-million-global-opening

### 2026-08-29: Ridley Scott releases post-apocalyptic thriller The Dog Stars

Ridley Scott releases ‘The Dog Stars’, a post-apocalyptic thriller set in 2035 Colorado, starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin. Scott is also developing a ‘Treasure Island’ adaptation.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scott-releases-post-apocalyptic-thriller-the-dog-stars

### 2026-08-27: The Dog Stars film by Ridley Scott arrives in theaters

Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic film ‘The Dog Stars’, starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin, has released to mixed reviews regarding its thematic depth and genre originality.

36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scotts-the-dog-stars-explores-post-pandemic-survival

### 2026-08-25: The Dog Stars film by Ridley Scott receives mixed reviews

Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic film ‘The Dog Stars’, starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin, has received mixed reviews, currently holding a 38% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

167 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scott-promotes-new-film-the-dog-stars

### 2026-08-22: Ridley Scott calls himself an influencer rather than a filmmaker

Director Ridley Scott describes himself as an ‘influencer’ rather than a filmmaker, citing his ability to stay ahead of trends. He is currently promoting his new sci-fi film, ‘The Dog Stars’.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scotts-the-dog-stars-receives-positive-early-reactions

### 2026-08-20: The Dog Stars premieres in London starring Jacob Elordi

Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic film ‘The Dog Stars’ premiered in London, starring Jacob Elordi. Elordi also playfully dodged James Bond casting rumors during the event.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jacob-elordi-attends-the-dog-stars-premiere-in-london-with-film-co-star-dog

### 2026-08-16: Ridley Scott’s ‘The Dog Stars’ film set for August release

Director Ridley Scott’s new post-apocalyptic film ‘The Dog Stars’, based on Peter Heller’s novel, is scheduled for a late August 2026 release starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scott-film-the-dog-stars-set-for-release

### 2026-08-12: Ridley Scott film “The Dog Stars” opens ticket pre-sales

Advance ticket sales are open for Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic thriller “The Dog Stars,” based on Peter Heller’s novel, arriving in Italian theaters on August 26.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scott-film-the-dog-stars-opens-ticket-pre-sales

### 2026-07-18: Ridley Scott's Post‑Apocalyptic Film 'The Dog Stars' Trailer Released

Ridley Scott’s post‑apocalyptic film ‘The Dog Stars’, starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin, released its final trailer; it opens in the US on Aug 28 2026 and France on Aug 26 2026.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scotts-postapocalyptic-film-the-dog-stars-trailer-released

### 2026-07-14: Ridley Scott's 'The Dog Stars' trailer released ahead of August debut

Ridley Scott’s post‑apocalyptic thriller The Dog Stars released its final trailer, confirming an August 28, 2026 worldwide theatrical launch; the film stars Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin and an ensemble cast.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scotts-the-dog-stars-trailer-highlights-postapocalyptic-thriller

### 2026-07-09: Ridley Scott calls 'The Dog Stars' his best film since 'The Martian

Ridley Scott says his upcoming post‑apocalyptic thriller The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin, is his best film since The Martian, slated for release on Aug 28, 2026.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scott-calls-the-dog-stars-his-best-film-since-the-martian

### 2026-06-30: Josh Brolin nearly quit Ridley Scott's film The Dog Stars

Josh Brolin almost left Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars after a troubling first day but stayed and later praised the film’s unique shoot; it releases in August.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/josh-brolin-nearly-quit-ridley-scotts-film-the-dog-stars

### 2026-06-09: Ridley Scott's $110M Film 'The Dog Stars' Faces Critical Skepticism

Ridley Scott’s $110 million sci‑fi film *The Dog Stars*, set for August 2026, has drawn harsh early reviews and low box‑office forecasts despite a star‑studded cast.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scotts-110m-film-the-dog-stars-faces-critical-skepticism

### 2026-06-08: Ridley Scott unveils post‑apocalyptic film “The Dog Stars” starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin

Ridley Scott’s post‑apocalyptic film “The Dog Stars”, starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin, debuted its trailer and is set for a late‑August release.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scott-unveils-postapocalyptic-film-the-dog-stars-starring-jacob-elordi-and-josh-brolin

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Cite as: Ridley Scott's The Dog Stars – Premiere & Release Updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ridley-scotts-the-dog-stars-release