London became the focal point for movie‑goers on Tuesday as the world premiere of Ridley Scott’s upcoming post‑apocalyptic thriller The Dog Stars was held at a downtown venue. The event marked the first public screening of a film that adapts the best‑selling novel of the same name, which imagines a world years after a devastating flu pandemic has decimated the global population.
Scott, who also serves as producer, praised the ensemble he assembled for the project. “I’m very proud of the cast,” he told reporters on the red carpet. “I wanted to bring the team together and see how it works.” The lineup includes veteran actor Josh Brolin, rising star Jacob Elordi, Academy‑Award‑nominated Margaret Qualley, Benedict Wong and Guy Pearce.
Cast reactions
Elordi, speaking about the honor of working with the legendary director, highlighted his mother’s pride. “She’s a big fan of mine. She’s really happy and proud of me,” he said, adding that collaborating with Scott was “really special.” Qualley described the production as a “unique experience,” noting that she had never been part of a film like this before. “It was an interesting experience and I’m happy to be here,” she remarked.
Brolin reflected on the value of working with acclaimed directors, citing Scott alongside the Coen brothers, Oliver Stone and Gus Van Sant. “It’s the danger and the experimentation in what you do,” he said, emphasizing the creative freedom such collaborations afford.
Who would survive?
During a light‑hearted segment, the cast and crew were asked which member of the ensemble would most likely survive an apocalypse. Wong voted for Brolin, saying, “You wanna stick close to Josh Brolin.” Executive producer and author Peter Heller agreed, naming Brolin as the obvious choice. Pearce echoed the sentiment, while Qualley humorously dismissed her own chances, saying, “Everything about me.” Brolin, not surprised, quipped, “If this were a real dystopian world, I’d rely on Josh because he looks like he could protect you with his meaty hands.”
The film will open exclusively in theaters, including IMAX and premium large‑format venues, on August 28. The Walt Disney Company, parent of 20th Century Studios, is handling distribution.
While the premiere is a global entertainment event, it underscores the continued interest in post‑pandemic storytelling, a theme that resonates with audiences still navigating the aftermath of recent health crises. The film’s release will add to the summer slate of high‑profile movies, offering a blend of action, suspense and speculative fiction for movie‑goers seeking escapism and reflection alike.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
