Ridley Scott's 'The Dog Stars' Lands with Mixed Reviews and Soft Box Office Debut
Ridley Scott's latest post-apocalyptic thriller, *The Dog Stars*, debuted with a lukewarm reception, earning $19.3 million globally on its opening weekend and drawing mixed-to-negative critical reviews.
The short version
- Ridley Scott's *The Dog Stars* premiered in London on August 20, 2026, and released in the U.S. and U.K. on August 28, 2026.
- The film, an adaptation of Peter Heller's 2012 novel, stars Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, Allison Janney, and Benedict Wong.
- During its opening weekend, *The Dog Stars* grossed $8 million domestically and $11.3 million internationally, totaling $19.3 million globally, falling short of its $12-14 million projection for domestic opening.
- Critical reception was largely negative, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a 'rotten' 40% score from 163 critics and audiences giving a 'C+' CinemaScore.
- The movie was filmed in northern Italy in 2025, with locations including Bordano and Cinecittà Studios standing in for rural Colorado.
Ridley Scott, the visionary director behind sci-fi classics and historical epics, has returned to the post-apocalyptic genre with The Dog Stars. The film, an adaptation of Peter Heller's 2012 novel, premiered in London on August 20, 2026, before its wide release in the United States and United Kingdom on August 28, 2026. Despite a high-profile director and a cast featuring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, and Margaret Qualley, the film has debuted to a largely lukewarm reception from critics and a soft performance at the global box office.
Helmed by Scott and produced by him alongside Michael Pruss, Mark L. Smith, and Cliff Roberts, The Dog Stars centers on Hig, a widowed pilot, and survivalist Bangley, navigating a rural Colorado ravaged by a global flu pandemic. Hig, accompanied by his loyal dog Jasper, uses his small propeller plane to gather supplies, exploring themes of hope and humanity in a desolate world. Mark L. Smith penned the screenplay.
How did The Dog Stars perform at the box office?
The Dog Stars struggled to make a significant impact during its opening weekend. The film earned $850,000 during preview screenings. Its opening weekend saw $8 million domestically and an additional $11.3 million internationally, for a global start of $19.3 million. This figure landed below industry projections, which had anticipated a domestic opening weekend between $12 million and $14 million. The production budget for the film was cited by Wikipedia as $70 million, though SlashFilm reported it could be as high as $110 million, suggesting the film faces an uphill battle to profitability.
What did critics and audiences think?
Critical reception for The Dog Stars was predominantly mixed to negative. Rotten Tomatoes reported a
Frequently asked questions
When will 'The Dog Stars' be available for streaming?
While no official date has been announced by 20th Century Studios (owned by Disney), due to its box office performance, *The Dog Stars* is anticipated to be available on Disney+ and Hulu by December 2026, possibly as early as November 2026.
Will 'The Dog Stars' be available on Video On Demand?
Yes, prior to its streaming debut, *The Dog Stars* is expected to be available for rent or purchase on Video On Demand (VOD) platforms like Apple TV or Prime Video, likely shortly after its theatrical run concludes.
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