The Dog Stars 2026

The Dog Stars (2026) is an American post-apocalyptic science fiction drama directed by Ridley Scott and based on Peter Heller’s bestselling 2012 novel of the same name. The film stars Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, and Guy Pearce. Set in a world devastated by a deadly pandemic, the story follows a solitary pilot who risks everything after receiving a mysterious radio transmission that offers a glimmer of hope. Scheduled for release on March 27, 2026, the film blends survival, adventure, and emotional drama against the backdrop of a collapsed civilization.

The Dog Stars (2026) Quick Specs

Storyline

Years after a deadly flu pandemic wipes out most of the world’s population, Hig lives in isolation at an abandoned airfield in Colorado. His closest companions are his loyal dog and Bangley, a former Marine who helps protect the small sanctuary they have built together.

Hig spends much of his time flying an aging Cessna over the surrounding wilderness, searching for supplies and signs of other survivors. During one routine flight, he intercepts a mysterious radio signal that suggests someone may still be alive beyond the mountains.

Driven by curiosity and the possibility of finding a new beginning, Hig leaves behind the safety of everything he knows. His journey leads him through a dangerous landscape where every encounter carries risk, but also the chance to rediscover hope in a world that has almost forgotten it.

Cast

• Jacob Elordi as Hig
• Josh Brolin as Bangley
• Margaret Qualley as Cima
• Guy Pearce as Jasper

Additional cast members may be announced before the film’s release.

Production Details

Development on The Dog Stars began after 20th Century Studios acquired the adaptation rights to Peter Heller’s novel. Ridley Scott directs the project, with Mark L. Smith (The Revenant, Twisters) adapting the screenplay. Principal photography began in Italy during 2025, using remote mountain landscapes to recreate the novel’s isolated setting. The production focuses on practical locations and character-driven storytelling rather than large-scale spectacle, staying faithful to the emotional tone of the source material.

Release Date and Where to Watch

The Dog Stars is scheduled to arrive in U.S. theaters on March 27, 2026, distributed by 20th Century Studios. Information regarding its digital and streaming release is expected to be announced after its theatrical run.