Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars Arrives In Theaters August 28

Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin lead the post-apocalyptic thriller from 20th Century Studios

From visionary director Ridley Scott based on the bestselling novel, The Dog Stars is headed to the big screen. The 20th Century Studios thriller follows a young pilot and a military survivalist in a brutal post-apocalyptic world. Fans of sci-fi movies and shows won’t want to miss it. Here’s everything you need to know, including the trailer, release date, cast, and its connection to Peter Heller’s bestselling novel.

Watch The Dog Stars Official Trailer

The Dog Stars Plot & Premise

The movie is a 20th Century Studios thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world. Hig, a young pilot, and Bangley, a military survivalist, have carved out an isolated homestead and found a way to survive. That is, until a mysterious radio transmission pushes Hig into the unknown in search of hope and humanity.

Beyond its survival-thriller premise, The Dog Stars centers on isolation and the possibility that human connection can endure after collapse.

Who will love The Dog Stars?

The Dog Stars is rated R, so it’s intended for adult audiences. It’s best for fans of Ridley Scott films, fans of action thrillers, post-apocalyptic survival stories, cinephiles and literary adaptations.

Who is behind The Dog Stars?

Ridley Scott is directing, with a screenplay by Mark L. Smith based on Peter Heller’s novel.

The film is produced by Ridley Scott, Michael Pruss, Mark L. Smith, and Cliff Roberts, with Lily Brooks-Dalton, Brandon Scott Smith, Peter Heller, Aidan Elliott, Raymond Kirk, and Marco Valerio Pugini serving as executive producers.

The Dog Stars Theatrical Release Date

The Dog Stars releases exclusively in theaters August 28, 2026. Buy tickets now.

The Dog Stars Cast & Characters

The cast includes Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Allison Janney, Benedict Wong, and Guy Pearce.

Jacob Elordi as Hig

Elordi plays the young pilot living in an isolated post-apocalyptic homestead with Bangley.

Hig’s life changes when a mysterious radio transmission draws him beyond the protected world they have built. His journey is tied to the possibility that hope and humanity still exist somewhere out there.

Josh Brolin as Bangley

Brolin plays Bangley, a military survivalist who shares the homestead with Hig. His discipline and caution in a dangerous world keep Hig and the homestead alive.

Margaret Qualley as Cima

Margaret Qualley plays Cima, a woman with a tragic past who finds connection with Hig.

Allison Janney is Darlene, an eccentric stewardess in Grand Junction. Benedict Wong is Aaron, the quiet backbone of a hidden Mennonite community struggling to survive in a bleak, post-pandemic world. Guy Pearce is Pops, Cima’s dad, who is understandably protective of his daughter and skeptical of Hig.

The Dog Stars FAQ

Curious about when and where you can watch The Dog Stars? Here's what we know so far.

Is The Dog Stars coming to Disney+?

The movie is coming to theaters first. A Disney+ streaming release date has not yet been announced, but you can keep up with the latest new releases on Disney+ while you wait.

More Movies To Explore

While you wait for The Dog Stars to arrive in theaters, explore more high-stakes stories, like Send Help, Predator: Badlands, and The Amateur.