Ridley Scott says optimism is essential in The Dog Stars
At the London world premiere of his post-apocalyptic thriller The Dog Stars, Ridley Scott said optimism is “essential,” framing the film as a hopeful sci-fi story without zombies. Stars including Jacob Elordi backed the message of human connection as theaters prepare for release.
Key Takeaways
- Ridley Scott told reporters optimism is “essential” to The Dog Stars, rejecting zombie tropes.
- The film adapts Peter Heller’s 2012 novel from a Mark L. Smith screenplay.
- Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley and canine co-star Rak Jasper attended the London world premiere.
- Global theatrical rollout begins Aug. 26, with a wider Aug. 28 theatrical date also reported.
For more celebrity breaking news, BlasterPost is tracking the film’s rollout and red-carpet buzz.
Why did Ridley Scott call optimism essential?
Speaking at the world premiere in London on Thursday, the 88-year-old Alien, Gladiator and The Martian filmmaker said he jumped on the project after receiving screenwriter Mark L. Smith’s adaptation.
“When I get science fiction which works on paper, you have to pay attention,” Scott said, per Reuters. He added that he begins to “perspire” halfway through a script in case the writer “drops the ball”—and that Smith did not.
“There have been so many zombie movies. There are no zombies in this,” Scott said, stressing that optimism was “essential.” Author Peter Heller set no conditions on the adaptation and was “blown away” by the finished film, telling Reuters the message is to keep hearts open and “take risks to love each other.”
What is The Dog Stars about?
Based on Heller’s 2012 book, the dystopian thriller marks Scott’s return to science fiction after nearly a decade. Jacob Elordi plays Hig, a pandemic survivor whose wife is among the dead. He shelters at an abandoned airport in Erie, Colorado, with his aging dog and ex-military companion Bangley (Josh Brolin).
Hig flies an old yellow Cessna seeking survivors and supplies. A patchy radio signal leads him to the mountain hide-out of Cima (Margaret Qualley) and Pops (Guy Pearce), bringing both respite and trouble. Benedict Wong, who plays a Mennonite community member, said the story “centres on hope, human decency, human connection in devastating times.”
Most of the movie was filmed on location in Italy and shot on multiple cameras. Elordi called Scott “the king of epic,” saying the production was “huge,” and praised working outdoors with canine co-star Rak Jasper and the dog’s trainers.
Who showed up for the London red carpet?
Scott and cast members including Elordi, Qualley and Brolin walked the carpet at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square for the 20th Century Studios premiere, Deadline reported. Rak Jasper appeared beside Elordi; Allison Janney, Guy Pearce and Benedict Wong are also among the film’s stars.
Vogue noted Elordi in Bottega Veneta navy pinstripes while Qualley wore a fringed black dress with Chanel barefoot sandals. Elordi said he mostly needed “a treat in my pocket” while Rak’s trainers did the heavy lifting on set.
When does The Dog Stars reach theaters?
Reuters reports the global theatrical rollout begins Aug. 26. Deadline said the post-apocalyptic sci-fi premieres Aug. 28 in theaters—timing audiences should confirm locally as the release expands.