Acclaimed filmmaker Ridley Scott is preparing to make his return to science fiction with a new post-apocalyptic project titled The Dog Stars, which is reportedly set for a 2026 release. This upcoming film brings together an impressive cast, including Euphoria star Jacob Elordi, Dune’s Josh Brolin, and Margaret Qualley, known for The Substance. Best known for directing cinematic epics like Gladiator, Scott is now turning his attention to a more intimate but equally intense survival story. The movie is adapted from Peter Heller’s 2012 novel, with the screenplay penned by Twisters writer Mark L. Smith.
Taking place in a bleak, post-pandemic world, The Dog Stars follows the lives of survivors navigating the ruins of a fallen society. The story follows the few remaining survivors as they struggle to find meaning, safety, and connection in a world where the rules have changed and civilization has crumbled. With Scott at the helm and a gripping narrative centered around humanity’s resilience, the film is expected to deliver a powerful blend of emotion, tension, and visual spectacle—making it one of the most anticipated sci-fi dramas of the coming year.
According to several industry reports, The Dog Stars is currently in production and is scheduled to hit theaters on March 27, 2026. This news comes amid a broader reshuffling of major film release dates, particularly within Disney’s slate, which includes delays to highly anticipated titles like the next two Avengers films. Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic drama is being developed under the banner of 20th Century Studios, a division of Disney, and is one of the studio’s most ambitious sci-fi projects currently on the horizon.
With cameras rolling and an all-star cast already on board, The Dog Stars is gaining momentum as a major cinematic event for 2026. Given the current landscape of shifting release schedules, this confirmation adds clarity for fans eager to see Ridley Scott return to the genre that helped define his legendary career. As production continues, anticipation is building not just for the film’s striking visuals and emotional depth, but also for how it might reframe familiar themes of survival and humanity in a hauntingly plausible future.
How This Impacts The Dog Stars.
Ridley Scott has a busy slate of films lined up, with multiple projects currently in development across different stages of production. The Dog Stars appears to be the next in line and is expected to debut in spring 2026, marking the legendary director’s return to the science fiction genre. Following this, earlier reports suggest Scott is eyeing a biographical drama centered on the iconic music group, the Bee Gees—a notable shift in tone that could showcase his versatility as a filmmaker. The rumored biographical film is expected to enter development following the release of The Dog Stars, with Jacob Elordi reportedly set to star.
In addition to these projects, Scott is also reportedly attached to other major film ventures. A third installment in the Gladiator saga is said to be in the works, aiming to expand on the legacy of one of his most celebrated films. There is also talk of a new entry in the Alien franchise, which would mark yet another return to the genre that helped launch his career. While exact timelines and production updates on these two projects remain unclear, they add to the growing list of high-profile films that continue to keep Ridley Scott at the forefront of Hollywood storytelling.
The Dog Stars was officially announced in November 2024, just ahead of the release of Gladiator II, making its development and release timeline impressively swift by modern film standards—especially compared unlike many big-budget movies that remain in development for extended periods before production begins. Despite its relatively fast turnaround, the project has already gathered strong momentum, driven by its compelling concept and an ensemble of talented actors. Alongside lead stars Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, and Margaret Qualley, the cast has recently welcomed Benedict Wong in an undisclosed role, further raising interest in what’s shaping up to be a standout entry in Ridley Scott’s filmography.
While much of the plot remains tightly under wraps, early details reveal a survival-driven narrative set in a bleak, post-pandemic world. Elordi plays Hig, a civilian pilot navigating life in the aftermath of a global catastrophe. He teams up with a hardened ex-marine, portrayed by Brolin, as they work together to protect their isolated refuge from external threats. Their journey is not only one of defense, but also of seeking hope—a search for something better beyond the broken world they inhabit. With a mix of emotional weight, intense character dynamics, and a hauntingly realistic setting, The Dog Stars promises a grounded yet gripping take on post-apocalyptic storytelling.
Our Thoughts on The Dog Stars’ Upcoming Release.
Ridley Scott is widely known in the industry for his efficient and fast-paced approach to filmmaking. His methods often include meticulous pre-production planning, the use of multiple cameras to capture scenes from various angles simultaneously, and collaborating with a trusted circle of actors and crew members. This working style is evident in the casting decisions for his upcoming project, The Dog Stars, which features a carefully selected ensemble of performers. However, while this streamlined process can speed up production, it has occasionally sparked debates about whether such speed impacts the overall quality of his films. Some of his recent works, including Gladiator II, have faced mixed reviews, with critics questioning whether the rapid production affected the depth and polish of the final product.
Despite these concerns, the release of The Dog Stars is scheduled for less than a year away, showcasing Scott’s ambitious timeline for bringing this post-apocalyptic sci-fi story to the big screen. Given the film’s genre, which likely demands extensive and sophisticated visual effects, the accelerated production schedule adds an extra layer of challenge. Balancing the need for high-quality CGI with a tight shooting and post-production window will be crucial for the movie’s success. Nevertheless, Scott’s track record and ability to adapt to fast-paced productions suggest that The Dog Stars could deliver a compelling blend of striking visuals and engaging storytelling when it arrives in theaters.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dog_Stars_(film)
https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2025/5/23/ridley-scott