Here's Our First Look at "The Dog Stars"

20th Century Studios has released the official trailer for Ridley Scott‘s “The Dog Stars,” marking the first look at the post-apocalyptic thriller. 

The film is based on Peter Heller’s 2012 novel and has been adapted for the screen by Mark L. Smith, whose previous works include “Twisters” and “The Revenant.”

It stars Jacob Elordi as Hig, Josh Brolin as Bangley, and Margaret Qualley as Cima.

The project  film follows a civilian pilot and ex-Marine as they navigate the aftermath of a pandemic that has wiped out nearly the entire population.

“The Dog Stars” is Scott’s first film after directing 2024’s “Gladiator II,” and it marks his return to 20th Century Studios, where he had a 5-year run from 2012 to 2017 with releases including “Prometheus” and “The Martian.” 

Originally slated ahead of “The Dog Stars,” Scott’s next directorial feature was set to be a Bee Gees biopic at Paramount Pictures, but that was paused after Scott stated that “the studio changed the goalposts.” The director pivoted his focus to the sci-fi project instead.

Paul Mescal, who starred in Scott’s “Gladiator” sequel, was originally set to play the leading role in “The Dog Stars,” but exited in early 2025, citing scheduling conflicts tied to Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopics.

In Janurary 2025, it was reported that Elordi was in talks to replace Mescal for the leading role, while noting that his schedule was similarly packed while he filmed both “Wuthering Heights” and the third season of HBO’s “Euphoria.”

Despite the scheduling chaos, Elordi remained tied to the project, which began production in Italy in April 2025.

"The Dog Stars" hits theaters on August 28. Watch the trailer below.