The Dog Stars: Ridley Scott Sci-Fi Preview

TL;DR — The Dog Stars releases August 28, 2026 — Ridley Scott's first sci-fi film since Alien: Covenant in 2017, starring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, and Margaret Qualley. It's a post-apocalyptic story about a pilot, his dog, and a faint radio signal suggesting he isn't alone. Here's what's genuinely got me excited, and what's making me a little cautious.

What is The Dog Stars actually about?

Based on Peter Heller's 2012 novel of the same name, The Dog Stars follows Hig (Jacob Elordi), a grief-stricken pilot surviving in the American wilderness after a catastrophic flu pandemic nearly wiped out humanity. Accompanied by his loyal dog, Hig picks up a mysterious radio transmission suggesting there might be other survivors out there — and sets out to find out if it's true, alongside Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley's characters, who join his journey along the way.

Who's directing and starring in The Dog Stars?

Ridley Scott directs — genuinely significant news, since this is his first sci-fi project since 2017's Alien: Covenant, following a stretch of historical epics like Napoleon and Gladiator II. The cast includes Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, and Benedict Wong. The screenplay comes from Mark L. Smith, who also wrote Twisters.

Why does Ridley Scott's return to sci-fi actually matter?

Scott isn't just any director working in the genre — he made Alien and Blade Runner, two films that essentially defined modern sci-fi's visual language, then largely stepped away from the genre for historical dramas over the past decade. A director returning to the specific genre he's most associated with, nearly ten years later, is the kind of thing worth paying attention to regardless of the specific film.

What I'm genuinely excited about

The premise itself pulls me in — a quiet, character-driven post-apocalyptic story centered on one man and his dog is a much smaller, more intimate scale than most big-budget sci-fi right now, and that's exactly the kind of thing Scott has proven he can do well when he's not chasing spectacle for its own sake. Early trailer footage leans into a genuinely emotional, contemplative tone rather than a loud action-driven one, which fits the source material's reputation as a meditative, literary take on the genre rather than a typical blockbuster.

I'm also curious what Jacob Elordi does with a lead role this different from what's made him famous — a grief-driven survival story is a real departure, and it's the kind of role that can genuinely reveal range.

What's making me a little cautious

Here's my honest hesitation: quiet, introspective source material doesn't always translate cleanly to a studio blockbuster release, and there's a real risk a story built around isolation and grief gets pushed toward more conventional action beats to fit a wider theatrical audience. The film was also delayed from its original March release date to August — officially to avoid competing directly with Project Hail Mary, another 2026 sci-fi release, but delays can sometimes signal deeper issues too, not just scheduling.

What I'd want from this film

If I'm being specific: I want Scott to trust the quiet, character-driven core of the story rather than padding it with bigger set pieces than the premise actually needs. The best version of this story is one that earns its emotional weight through Hig and his dog, not through overblown survival-thriller spectacle layered on top.

Should you be excited for this one?

If you liked the more contemplative, character-driven side of sci-fi — think The Martian's quieter moments rather than its rescue-mission urgency — this should appeal to you. If you're expecting Alien-level tension throughout, temper expectations slightly; this looks built more for emotional weight than scares.

Frequently asked questions

When does The Dog Stars release? August 28, 2026, after being delayed from an original March release date.

Is The Dog Stars based on a book? Yes — Peter Heller's 2012 post-apocalyptic novel of the same name.

Who stars in The Dog Stars? Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, and Benedict Wong.

Is The Dog Stars connected to any other Ridley Scott franchise, like Alien or Blade Runner? No — it's a standalone story unrelated to Scott's other sci-fi franchises.

While you wait for release day

If post-apocalyptic or character-driven sci-fi is your thing, our movie recommendation quiz can help you find something to watch in the meantime, matched to your mood tonight rather than another crowded new-release list.