Ridley Scott's highly anticipated dystopian thriller, "The Dog Stars," is solidifying its star-studded ensemble even further, with Jacob Elordi already secured in the lead role. The film, under the banner of 20th Century Studios, is now in the final stages of negotiations with Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, and Guy Pearce for pivotal performances. Penned by Mark L. Smith, the screenplay is an adaptation of Peter Heller's apocalyptic 2012 novel by the same title.
"The Dog Stars" weaves a tale centered around a civilian pilot who, amidst a catastrophic pandemic, finds solace in an abandoned airbase with his loyal dog and a former Marine by his side. A chance radio transmission intercepted from his vintage 1956 Cessna ignites a spark of hope for a brighter future.
Last month, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Elordi was in preliminary talks to step into the shoes originally rumored for Paul Mescal. Scott himself hinted at Mescal's probable exit during a screening of "Gladiator II" in December, citing the actor's commitment to Sam Mendes' ambitious four-film Beatles project as the culprit. Sony, meanwhile, has remained tight-lipped about the rumored casting of Mescal as Paul McCartney.
Smith and Cliff Roberts serve as the producing duo behind "The Dog Stars," a production helmed by Scott's Scott Free Productions. Qualley, who garnered acclaim for her role in last year's "The Substance," is poised to make additional waves this year with appearances in "Honey Don’t!" and "Happy Gilmore 2." Brolin's upcoming slate includes "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" and Edgar Wright's reboot of "The Running Man." Meanwhile, Pearce, nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "The Brutalist," marks this as his maiden Oscar nod.
Deadline was the first to break the news regarding Qualley, Brolin, and Pearce's addition to the cast, further elevating the anticipation for this cinematic journey into a post-apocalyptic world.
