Exclusive news has emerged that Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, and Guy Pearce are in final talks to join Jacob Elordi in Ridley Scott‘s highly anticipated film, ‘The Dog Stars,’ produced by 20th Century Studios. This announcement follows the success of Scott’s earlier release, ‘Gladiator II,’ which has become one of his highest-grossing films, nearing $500 million in global earnings.
The screenplay for ‘The Dog Stars’ is adapted from the novel by Peter Heller, with Mark L. Smith, known for his work on ‘The Revenant,’ taking the helm on the adaptation. Smith recently impressed Ridley Scott with his writing on the edgy historical series ‘American Primeval,’ featuring Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin. Additionally, Smith wrote the script for the upcoming blockbuster ‘Twisters.’
In the narrative, Elordi takes on the role of Hig, a crop duster pilot who navigates his life in an abandoned Colorado airfield amidst a drastically altered society. The story portrays Hig’s survival in post-apocalyptic conditions, where he is forced to endure a lonely existence alongside a rugged ranger named Bangley, played by Brolin. Their tense partnership unfolds against the backdrop of a world that has fundamentally shifted.
As Hig makes daily excursions in his 50-year-old Cessna, he is accompanied by his cherished dog, Jasper, who serves as his only companion. Hig embarks on a quest for survival, seeking out dwindling supplies while also searching for a glimmer of hope in a changed world. His adventure leads him to a small ranch, where he encounters Cima, portrayed by Qualley, an intern doctor. Cima is the daughter of a protective rancher, played by Pearce, who remains fiercely loyal to his family.
This meeting between Hig and Cima sparks a potential new beginning for both characters, highlighting themes of connection and hope amid desolation. Scott will serve as a producer alongside Michael Pruss, the president of Scott Free Productions, with Mark L. Smith and Cliff Roberts collaborating on the project.
Production for ‘The Dog Stars’ is slated to commence at the end of April, with filming locations set to take place in Italy’s stunning Dolomite region, which will stand in for the Great Plains and Rockies of the story. This production marks a reunion for Scott with both Brolin and Pearce, who have previously collaborated with the acclaimed director on notable projects, including ‘American Gangster’ and ‘Prometheus,’ respectively.
Qualley is fresh off her critically acclaimed performance in the Oscar-nominated horror thriller ‘The Substance’ and has recently appeared in ‘Kinds of Kindness’ and ‘Drive Away Dolls.’ Her upcoming projects include roles opposite Glen Powell in ‘Huntington’ and in ‘Honey Don’t.’ Brolin continues his busy schedule, working on the third installment of the ‘Knives Out’ series, ‘Wake Up Dead Man,’ and is currently filming ‘The Running Man.’ His impressive filmography also includes roles in ‘Dune: Part Two,’ the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ‘Avengers,’ and ‘True Grit.’
Pearce garnered praise for his role in A24’s ‘The Brutalist,’ which has earned him accolades and critical acclaim, including an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His performance has been recognized as one of the best of his career, highlighting his versatility as an actor across various genres.
The cast and crew behind ‘The Dog Stars’ are creating a palpable excitement in the film community, with expectations high for this unique take on post-apocalyptic survival and human connection. Fans of Ridley Scott’s past work are eager to see how this new project unfolds, making it a noteworthy film to watch in the coming year.
