The Dog Stars: What we know About Ridley Scott’s Post-Apocalyptic film with Jacob Elordi and Margaret Qualley

Best known for redefining sci-fi with Alien and Blade Runner, Ridley Scott returns to dystopia with The Dog Stars. This time, he's fusing emotional intimacy with blockbuster scope in a high-stakes survival tale based on Peter Heller’s 2012 novel. 

With filming already underway in the striking Dolomite region of Italy, the anticipation is skyrocketing. Moreover, with a $100 million budget and thousands of extras, this film promises to be Scott’s most visually arresting post-apocalyptic venture yet.

From unexpected casting twists to a behind-the-scenes reunion with familiar collaborators, The Dog Stars is brimming with reasons to keep your eyes peeled. We're breaking down everything you need to know—from the filming locations and creative team to what this bold adaptation might mean for Ridley Scott’s legacy. Stay tuned, because we’re updating this page with every major reveal that comes our way.

Release date & Where to Watch

The release date hasn’t been announced yet, but we’ll share an update as soon as it’s revealed.

What is the plot of The Dog Stars Movie?

Set in a post-pandemic America, The Dog Stars follows Hig, a widowed pilot surviving in near isolation at an abandoned Colorado airfield. His only companions are his aging dog, Jasper, and a gruff ex-marine named Bangley, with whom he shares an uneasy alliance to fend off dangerous scavengers known as the Reapers.

Haunted by loss yet fueled by hope, Hig spends his days flying a vintage 1956 Cessna, searching for supplies—and something more. His life takes a dramatic turn when a faint radio transmission breaks the silence, hinting at other survivors beyond their guarded perimeter. Compelled by the possibility of a different life, Hig ventures into uncharted territory, risking everything to follow the voice through a devastated and unpredictable landscape.

Along the way, he crash lands on a remote ranch where he encounters Cima, a resilient young doctor, and her fiercely protective father. This encounter sparks a fragile vision of renewal, blending survivalist grit with emotional resonance as Hig faces the ultimate question: is there still a future worth fighting for?

Adapted from Peter Heller’s acclaimed 2012 novel, the film weaves desolation, discovery, and human connection into a powerful tale of resilience.

Who’s Starring in The Dog Stars film?

• Jacob Elordi (Euphoria, Saltburn) as Hig
• Margaret Qualley (The Substance, Honey Don’t!) as Cima
• Josh Brolin (Avengers: Endgame) as Bangley
• Guy Pearce (Prometheus)
• Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange) 

Jacob Elordi with his "The Dog Stars" co-star, Margaret Qualley photographed yesterday at the Ristorante al Caminetto in Follina not far from the Cansiglio forest.

📸 by Ristorante al Caminetto staff. pic.twitter.com/ZbhA0WChwU

— The Ridley Scott Archives (@RidleyScottArch) May 11, 2025

Is There a Trailer for The Dog Stars?

A trailer hasn’t dropped yet, but we’ll add it right here as soon as it’s released—stay tuned!

Filming Details

Principal photography kicked off in Italy in April 2025 (via Deadline & Italy for Movies), with filming set across multiple regions including Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Abruzzo, and Rome’s iconic Cinecittà Studios (via ilfattoquotidiano). In May, production is expected to move to the scenic Cansiglio area (via Corrieredelveneto.corriere & Messaggeroveneto).

The areas in the Friuli region of north-eastern Italy where Ridley Scott will be shooting The Dog Stars, includes the scenic lake Bordano and an undisclosed location near the alpine town of Trasaghis.

It is here where filming is expected to kick off on the 29th. pic.twitter.com/mN0ClwAIQr

— The Ridley Scott Archives (@RidleyScottArch) April 9, 2025

Behind the Scenes

Ridley Scott is the director of The Dog Stars. The screenplay comes from Mark L. Smith and Christopher Wilkinson, combining survivalist intensity with lyrical storytelling. Smith, who also serves as producer alongside Scott, Scott Free president Michael Pruss, and Cliff Roberts, brings a deep familiarity with high-stakes narratives—though adapting Heller’s poetic prose poses its own challenges.

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