At Las Vegas's CinemaCon, during 20th Century Studios' showcase, the first trailer for The Dog Stars was unveiled on April 16, 2026. Ridley Scott himself addressed the crowd in a video to present his film to the exhibitors. The feature will hit theaters exclusively on August 26, 2026.
The Dog Stars
Film | 2026
In theaters: August 26, 2026
Adventure, Drama, Thriller
Directed by Ridley Scott | Screenplay: Mark L. Smith | Starring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, Benedict Wong, Allison Janney
Original title: The Dog Stars
Country: United States
In a post-pandemic world where American society has folded, Hig, a young pilot portrayed by Jacob Elordi, has carved out a refuge at an abandoned Colorado airbase. Alongside Bangley, a hardened military survivalist played by Josh Brolin, he maintains a secure perimeter, with reconnaissance flights buzzing overhead in an aging Cessna. His uneasy balance shifts when an enigmatic radio transmission hints at a community beyond their borders.
This beacon sets the stage for a journey into the unknown. Margaret Qualley plays Cima, while Guy Pearce, Benedict Wong and Allison Janney round out a cast expanded beyond earlier announcements. The film is adapted from Peter Heller's best-selling 2012 novel, published under the title The Dog Stars, with the screenplay entrusted to Mark L. Smith, also the author of The Revenant.
The shoot primarily unfolded in Colorado's mountains and plains, with the rugged terrain heightening the film's immersive feel. Ridley Scott told theater owners that the movie is "designed for the big screen," a remark reported by Deadline. The trailer offers aerial shots, a stark desert backdrop, and Hig's encounters with other survivors as his journey progresses.
With its approach to post-pandemic survival and its grounding in the vast American landscape, The Dog Stars sits in the tradition of stories like The Road, while bearing the visual signature of Ridley Scott.
To extend the in-theatre experience, check out the August movie releases, discover the thrillers and dramas to watch on the big screen, and find out what film to see today at the cinema — our screening picks.
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