Ridley Scott to Adapt Post-Apocalyptic Novel 'The Dog Stars' for 2026

Ridley Scott is bringing Peter Heller's 2012 post-apocalyptic novel The Dog Stars to the big screen, with a theatrical release scheduled for August 28, 2026. The project marks a return to high-concept survival cinema for Scott, who will direct the feature written by Mark L. Smith.

Jacob Elordi stars in the lead role of Hig, joined by a high-profile cast including Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley. The narrative centers on Hig and his dog, Jasper, as they navigate a world devastated by a superflu pandemic. Set nine years after the global collapse, the protagonists operate out of a country airport in Erie, Colorado.

Based on the 2012 novel, the film draws from Peter Heller's personal history as a pilot and kayaker. A central element of the story is the protagonist's aircraft, known as "the Beast." The plane is a 1956 Cessna 182 (tail number N6333A), modeled directly after a real aircraft Heller once owned and flew. In a profile with New Scientist, Heller noted that in writing the original work, he "wanted to launch onto a narrative current and follow it into wild new territory."

This adaptation represents a strategic blend of critically acclaimed literary source material and modern A-list talent. By transitioning a lyrical, character-driven novel into a feature film, Scott is attempting to translate a specific atmosphere of dread and optimism for a global audience. The project further solidifies Scott's commitment to the science fiction and speculative genres, utilizing a narrative that explores isolation and the fragility of societal structures.

As production moves toward its 2026 debut, industry observers will be watching how Scott balances the intimate, atmospheric nature of Heller's prose with the scale of a theatrical production. While the core cast and release date are set, further details regarding the film's visual direction and additional supporting roles remain to be confirmed.