Ridley Scott has unveiled new images and a trailer for his post-apocalyptic feature starring Jacob Elordi, produced by 20th Century Studios and adapted from Peter Heller’s novel. Set to open in France on August 26, 2026, it follows young pilot Hig and survivalist Bangley after a catastrophe, with Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Allison Janney, Benedict Wong and Guy Pearce in support.
Ridley Scott returns to the wastes with The Dog Stars, unveiling a first look that pairs stark vistas with Jacob Elordi’s wary stare. Adapted from Peter Heller’s novel, the footage teases Hig, a young pilot guarding a hard-won refuge with Bangley until a crackling radio signal pulls him toward the unknown. Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Allison Janney, Benedict Wong, and Guy Pearce round out a cast built for grit and grace. Backed by 20th Century Studios, the film lands in French theaters on August 26, 2026.
A first look at Ridley Scott’s latest vision
There is a particular hush that follows a new project from Ridley Scott. The first trailer for The Dog Stars has landed online, hinting at stark horizons, fragile bonds, and the restless hum of danger. Based on the novel by Peter Heller, the film places Jacob Elordi at the center of a survival story that favors feeling over spectacle, even as the visuals roar.
From page to screen: details of the adaptation
Heller’s 2012 novel carved out a devoted readership with a voice-driven tale of loss and renewal, and Scott seems intent on preserving that intimacy. Produced by 20th Century Studios, the film adapts the book’s spare, melancholic textures into a widescreen odyssey. A U.S. theatrical release date has not been announced, but the trailer’s rollout signals that domestic marketing is underway.
A world ravaged by catastrophe
The story follows Hig, a young pilot whose daily life hinges on small rituals: fuel checks, supply runs, watchful silence. He shares a fenced-in refuge with the gruff survivalist Bangley, a man who sees threats before he sees people. When a faint radio transmission breaks the routine, Hig risks leaving safety behind, chasing a voice that might mean community, or a trap.
A powerhouse cast bringing it to life
Elordi, familiar to many from Euphoria, leads a cast that includes Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Allison Janney, Benedict Wong, and Guy Pearce. Their roles point to intersecting pockets of hope and hostility, a patchwork of human reactions to the unthinkable. Scott’s camera, according to the first footage, finds beauty in emptiness and tension in every handshake.
Themes of hope in the face of adversity
At its heart, The Dog Stars asks how much we’re willing to risk for connection. The film pairs the loneliness of open skies with the promise of a single human voice, testing whether caution can coexist with grace. If Scott’s past work is any guide, the result should balance grit and tenderness, with enough quiet to let the choices land.