Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin lead a stellar cast in Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic thriller, hitting cinemas this August.
Ridley Scott continues to prove why he’s one of cinema’s most enduring voices. The legendary director behind Blade Runner and Gladiator has unveiled a new trailer for The Dog Stars, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the year’s most atmospheric thrillers. Anchored by Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin, the film adapts Peter Heller’s acclaimed novel into what looks like a meditative—and brutal—survival story.
Survival, But at What Cost?
Set in a ravaged post-apocalyptic landscape, The Dog Stars follows Hig (Elordi), a young pilot clinging to the remnants of civilisation alongside Bangley (Brolin), a hardened military survivalist. They’ve created a functional, if lonely, existence—until a mysterious radio transmission offers something rare: hope. Hig’s decision to venture into the unknown in search of connection and humanity forms the emotional core of Scott’s vision.
A Cast Built for Weight
Beyond the central duo, the ensemble is stacked. Margaret Qualley, Allison Janney, Benedict Wong, and Guy Pearce round out the cast, promising layers of tension and nuance. The screenplay comes courtesy of Mark L. Smith, whose credits include The Revenant, so expect lean, deliberate storytelling paired with Scott’s signature visual sweep. As studios continue to flex their slates—Disney dominated CinemaCon earlier this year—this late-summer release feels like a bold counter-programming move.
The Dog Stars lands exclusively in UK cinemas on 26th August, courtesy of 20th Century Studios.
Image via Unsplash.
