Ridley Scott‘s “The Dog Stars” is going full steam ahead at 20th Century Studios, and THR (via Deadline) has the film’s latest castings. And it’s a trio of buzzy actors, all of which are coming off of stellar 2024s.
Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, and Guy Pearce are in final talks to join Jacob Elordi on Scott’s upcoming dystopian sci-fi thriller. No stranger to that genre, Scott’s next film is based on Peter Heller‘s 2012 novel of the same name, about a pilot and his dog living on a post-apocalyptic Earth who decide to trek out to find the source of a random transmission. Elordi took over the film’s starring role from “Gladiator II” actor Paul Mescal last month after scheduling conflicts emerged with with Sam Mendes‘ biopics about The Beatles (Mescal will play Paul McCartney in those).
Mark L. Smith adapts Heller’s novel for the Scott movie, and also leads producers with Cliff Roberts. Scott also produces via his Scott Free banner.
As noted earlier, all three cast additions had very successful years onscreen last year. Qualley’s biggest hit was Coralie Forgeat‘s “The Substance,” which is a surprise awards season favorite. She also starred in two other auteurist projects,Ethan Coen‘s delayed “Drive-Away Dolls” and Yorgos Lanthimos‘ “Kinds Of Kindness.” Up next for the actress? Coen’s “Honey Don’t!,” Richard Linklater‘s “Blue Moon,” and “Happy Gilmore 2,” all set for release this year; John Patton Ford‘s thriller “Huntington” with Glen Powell is further off.
Brolin’s biggest hit of last year was undoubtedly “Dune: Part Two,” but he also starred and produced in “Brothers” with Peter Dinklage. The actor has three buzzy projects upcoming: Rian Johnson‘s latest “Knives Out” mystery “Wake Up Dead Man” and Edgar Wright‘s “The Running Man” remake, both in theaters this year. Brolin also has Zach Cregger‘s “Weapons” on the way, but that won’t hit theaters until January 2026.
Meanwhile, Pearce is a favorite for Best Supporting Actor at this year’s Oscars for his role in Brady Corbet‘s “The Brutalist,” the first Academy Award nod in his storied career. Future projects for the actor include “Killing Faith” “The Girl In Cabin 10,” both in post-production now.
“The Dog Stars” currently doesn’t have a set theatrical release, but expect Scott to make this one as quickly as his other recent projects.
