Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic epic failed to find its footing at the box office
In short: When Ridley Scott announced his sci-fi vision in 2024, expectations were sky-high. Yet, despite lush visuals and a heavy-hitting cast, The Dog Stars struggled to connect with audiences, ultimately becoming a significant box-office disappointment following its 2026 release.
Based on Peter Heller’s 2012 novel, The Dog Stars is a post-apocalyptic thriller set in 2035, long after a global flu pandemic nearly wiped out humanity. The story follows Hig, a former mechanic living in rural Colorado, as he navigates a depopulated landscape to find the source of a mysterious radio signal. The film's production was marked by significant casting shifts; while Paul Mescal was originally in advanced negotiations, he departed the project in early 2025 due to scheduling conflicts with a Beatles biopic. Although rumors suggested Ridley Scott replaced him due to dissatisfaction with his performance in Gladiator II, representatives denied this, citing rehearsal constraints instead. Jacob Elordi eventually stepped into the lead role.
The film's journey from script to screen involved extensive filming across Italy, including locations in the Alpine foothills, Abruzzo, and Rome's Cinecittà Studios. Despite the high-profile direction and a cast including Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, and Guy Pearce, the film's commercial performance was underwhelming. Against a production budget estimated between $70 million and $110 million, the film grossed only $39 million worldwide. It struggled significantly in its opening weekend in the United States and Canada, debuting with just $8 million despite projections of up to $14 million.
Critical reception was similarly divided. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 41% positive rating from 217 critics, with many describing the narrative as listless or derivative. While some reviewers, such as David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter, found the film an appealingly mellow watch, others were much harsher. Robert Daniels of RogerEbert.com gave it a mere one and a half stars, suggesting the film lacked the energy expected of a survivalist action blockbuster. This mix of mediocre reviews and low box-office returns cemented its status as a box-office bomb.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Dog Stars (film)
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