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

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2026-09-05 22:43 UTC → 2026-09-09 04:02 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 ~~gone further, describing~~ 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’. In comparison, ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ outperformed ‘The Dog Stars’ with a $15.9 million debut. Recent reports regarding the casting of the lead role have been contested. While reports from Matt Belloni of Puck News suggested Ridley Scott’s dissatisfaction with Paul Mescal was the primary driver for his replacement by Elordi, a representative for Scott denied these claims to Entertainment Weekly.

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