In an exciting development, acclaimed actress Margaret Qualley is in final talks to join an impressive cast, including Josh Brolin and Guy Pearce, alongside rising star Jacob Elordi in Ridley Scott‘s upcoming film, The Dog Stars. This project marks yet another collaboration between Scott and top-tier actors, following the success of Gladiator II, which grossed close to $500 million globally.
The screenplay for The Dog Stars is adapted from the Peter Heller novel by Mark L. Smith, known for his work on The Revenant. Smith has also developed Netflix’s American Primeval, a series directed by Peter Berg featuring Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin, a project that left Scott thoroughly impressed. Adding to his accolades, Smith wrote the blockbuster Twisters starring Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
In this gripping narrative, Elordi takes on the role of Hig, a crop duster pilot living in isolation on a deserted Colorado airfield, surrounded by the vast Great Plains and abandoned farmland. As society has drastically changed, those who remain strive to navigate their new reality. Hig shares his minimalistic living space with a colleague, a character named Bangley, played by Josh Brolin. Their mutual tolerance is tested as they tackle the dangers of their new world together.
Hig’s routine includes piloting his vintage Cessna, accompanied by his loyal dog, Jasper. His journey is not just about survival; it’s also a quest to discover whether life outside his isolated existence still exists. During one of his daring expeditions, Hig is forced to crash land on a nearby ranch, where he meets Cima, a character portrayed by Margaret Qualley. Cima is an intern doctor and the daughter of a protective rancher, played by Guy Pearce. This chance meeting opens up potential pathways for a brighter future amid the chaos.
Ridley Scott, alongside producer Michael Pruss of Scott Free, will be overseeing the production, which is set to begin at the end of April. The film will be shot in Italy, particularly in the stunning Dolomite region, which will serve as a stand-in for the stark landscapes of the Great Plains and the Rockies.
A notable aspect of this film is the reunion of Scott with both Josh Brolin and Guy Pearce. Brolin has previously collaborated with Scott on American Gangster, while Pearce and Scott worked together on the science fiction epic Prometheus. Their return adds a layer of excitement for fans of Scott’s body of work.
Margaret Qualley, fresh off her critically acclaimed performance in the Oscar-nominated horror thriller The Substance, continues to carve a niche for herself in the film industry. Alongside her role in The Dog Stars, she has appeared in Kinds of Kindness and Drive Away Dolls, and features in the upcoming films Huntington and Honey Don’t.
Josh Brolin is currently in production for the third installment of the Knives Out series, titled Wake Up Dead Man, in addition to working on a reboot of the classic film The Running Man. His diverse filmography includes roles in Dune: Part Two and the Avengers series—where he portrayed the formidable Thanos—alongside notable appearances in Milk and No Country for Old Men.
Guy Pearce has recently drawn attention for his role in A24’s The Brutalist, which has not only garnered critical acclaim but also led to several accolades, including an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Pearce’s proven talent alongside such a stellar cast bodes well for the film’s success.
The Dog Stars promises to be an exhilarating addition to Ridley Scott’s impressive portfolio, blending thrilling actions and profound narratives. As production gears up, fans are eagerly anticipating the release, eager to see how this star-studded line-up, featuring the talented Margaret Qualley, brings the poignant world of The Dog Stars to life.
