Ridley Scott, acclaimed director known for films like “Alien” and “Gladiator,” has officially selected Jacob Elordi as the lead in his new film, “The Dog Stars,” following Elordi’s striking performance in “Saltburn.” The much-anticipated movie, set for a 2026 release, centers on an ambitious pilot navigating a post-apocalyptic world after a devastating virus, and Scott’s decision is seen as a direct result of Elordi’s recent critical acclaim, reflecting the significance of Ridley Scott casting Jacob Elordi after Saltburn performance.
Ridley Scott’s Selection Process and Inspiration from Saltburn
“The Dog Stars,” inspired by Peter Heller’s renowned sci-fi novel, will follow the protagonist Hig, portrayed by Jacob Elordi, as he survives in a world transformed by catastrophe. Ridley Scott revealed in an interview with Screen Rant that Elordi was not initially his first choice. However, Scott’s perspective shifted after he watched Elordi in Emerald Fennell’s 2023 film “Saltburn,” which explores the unconventional friendships and complex social themes between university students. The layers and depth that Elordi brought to the enigmatic character in that movie clearly resonated with Scott, leading him to reconsider and ultimately cast Elordi as his lead.
EXCLUSIVE:
“Jacob is a great, interesting character who I noticed, really in Saltburn. I kind of liked the film a lot. I like the whole thing. The whole production was kind of ambitiously intellectual, but it got me. I loved the whole thing. So, Jake was very watchable, and so was the Irish kid [Barry Keoghan]. It was very interesting.”
—Ridley Scott, Director
Scott’s comments highlight both his admiration for Elordi’s performance and the complex atmosphere of “Saltburn,” which utilized mystery and shifting motives to keep the audience constantly guessing. This intrigue, according to the director, is a rare and valuable quality, one that he hopes to capture in his adaptation of “The Dog Stars.”
What Jacob Elordi’s Casting Means for The Dog Stars
The fact that Scott’s interest was piqued specifically by Elordi’s mysterious and captivating presence in “Saltburn” suggests some parallels between the roles. In “Saltburn,” Elordi’s portrayal left viewers uncertain about his character’s true intentions, underscoring a tension and ambiguity that served as a driving force of the plot. Similarly, “The Dog Stars” presents a protagonist whose resilience and inner life must anchor the audience as they experience a bleak, transformed world through his eyes. Scott may be looking to replicate the effect of keeping viewers engaged with a character who remains unpredictable yet compelling, much as Elordi did in his previous role.
Elordi is set to play Hig, a character defined by his solitude and the bond with his dog and friend, wandering through a dangerous landscape in search of hope and connection. With Scott now assembling the rest of the ensemble cast, including prominent names like Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley, the production appears poised to spotlight performances that match, or even surpass, the intensity fans saw in “Saltburn.” If Elordi delivers, The Dog Stars has real potential to emerge as a standout in Scott’s extensive body of work.
Implications for Jacob Elordi’s Career and the Film’s Future
Scott’s deliberate choice shows a commitment to talent over mere star power—a director responding to an actor’s abilities, not just the influence of a popular name. This could set the stage for a memorable, awards-worthy performance from Elordi under Scott’s guidance. The director has praised the rest of his cast, especially Margaret Qualley, describing her as “super duper” and expressing confidence in the entire ensemble’s talent.
As production moves forward, industry insiders and moviegoers alike are watching for further developments. With its combination of literary source material, Ridley Scott’s cinematic style, and a cast featuring rising stars and veterans, “The Dog Stars” is positioned to be a significant entry in both Elordi’s and Scott’s filmographies. Should Elordi channel the same energy and unpredictability that made him a standout in “Saltburn,” he may well become the centerpiece of a film that stands out both critically and commercially by the time it premieres in 2026.
