14 days ago
Forbes Oct 24, 2026

‘The Dog Stars,’ Ridley Scott’s Biggest Box Office Miss Since 2021, Heads To Digital This Week

Ridley Scott's latest film "The Dog Stars," a dystopian thriller starring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, and Margaret Qualley, premiered in theaters on August 28, 2026, under 20th Century Studios. Adapted from Peter Heller’s 2012 novel, the R-rated movie features Elordi as Hig, a pilot navigating a post-apocalyptic world while hunting down a mysterious radio signal, with Brolin playing survivalist Bangley and Qualley as Hig’s girlfriend, Cima. Despite a notable cast including Guy Pearce and Allison Janney, the film struggled commercially, earning $7.7 million domestically during its opening weekend and declining sharply thereafter.

By the end of its theatrical run on October 1, "The Dog Stars" had grossed $14.9 million in the U.S. and a total of $39.3 million worldwide. This box office performance marks Ridley Scott's lowest global earnings since 2021’s "The Last Duel," which totaled $30.5 million worldwide. The film’s production budget has been reported between $70 million and $110 million, highlighting the significant financial shortfall relative to its box office intake.

Following its disappointing theater performance, "The Dog Stars" will be available on premium video on demand starting October 27, 2026. Digital purchase will be priced at $24.99, with rental options offered for $19.99 over a 48-hour period. Platforms like Apple TV, Prime Video, and YouTube Movies will carry the film, offering an opportunity to reach a wider audience beyond cinemas.

Additionally, physical copies of "The Dog Stars" will be released on December 1 in 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD formats. These editions include several deleted scenes and a featurette called "The Making of The Dog Stars," giving fans extra content to explore. Despite the film’s commercial challenges, the director’s recent works such as "The House of Gucci," "Napoleon," and "Gladiator II" have significantly outperformed it, earning hundreds of millions globally.

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