London – Veteran director Ridley Scott is back in the science‑fiction arena after nearly ten years with the dystopian thriller The Dog Stars. The film, adapted from Peter Heller’s 2012 novel, debuted at a London premiere on Thursday and will begin its global theatrical rollout on August 26.
Story and Cast
The movie follows Hig (Jacob Elordi), a mechanic who survived a pandemic that wiped out most of humanity, including his wife. He lives in an abandoned airport in Erie, Colorado, alongside his aging dog and former soldier Bangley (Josh Brolin). Hig pilots an old yellow Cessna to search for other survivors and supplies. Along the way he encounters a patchy radio transmission that leads him to a mountain hide‑out occupied by Cima (Margaret Qualley) and Pops (Guy Pearce), offering both refuge and new challenges.
Director’s Vision
Scott, 88, said he was drawn to the project after reading screenwriter Mark L. Smith’s adaptation. “When I get science‑fiction that works on paper, you have to pay attention,” he explained. “I start to perspire halfway through the script in case the writer drops the ball. He didn’t, so here we are.” The director emphasized that, unlike the many zombie movies that dominate the genre, his film contains no zombies. Instead, he wanted to foreground optimism, calling it “essential” to the story’s message.
Production Details
Although set in Colorado, most of the filming took place in Italy, using multiple cameras to capture the expansive, post‑apocalyptic landscape. Elordi praised the outdoor work and his canine co‑star, Rak Jasper, noting that the dog’s trainer team handled all the animal work, leaving him to provide treats and encouragement.
Author and Cast Comments
Peter Heller, who wrote the original novel, placed no conditions on the adaptation and said he was “blown away” by the finished film. He added, “Cinema is a completely different discipline, it has its own demands. The power of the message that we have to keep our hearts open and take risks to love each other is in the movie and that’s the main deal.”
Actor Benedict Wong, portraying a member of a Mennonite community in the film, highlighted the thematic focus on hope and human decency. “It definitely centers on hope, human decency, human connection in devastating times,” he said, noting that these values are especially needed today.
Release
After its London premiere, The Dog Stars will roll out to theaters worldwide beginning August 26, offering audiences a rare blend of post‑apocalyptic tension and an uplifting message about perseverance and love.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
