Director Ridley Scott has chosen Jacob Elordi for the lead role in his upcoming film, The Dog Stars, after being captivated by Elordi’s performance in Saltburn, marking a significant shift in the casting for the long-anticipated adaptation. Scheduled for release in 2026, the project places Elordi at the center as the protagonist in a post-apocalyptic narrative, making his role a major focal point of anticipation for fans watching developments around the new film based on Peter Heller’s sci-fi novel.
The Dog Stars has been in the works for several years, but with its release date now set and production nearing completion, excitement is building around what Scott and his team will deliver. The story centers on a skilled pilot named Hig, who roams a barren world following a devastating virus that decimates humanity. Elordi takes on the role after Paul Mescal’s departure, joining an ensemble that includes Margaret Qualley and Josh Brolin, under the direction of the celebrated Ridley Scott.
Ridley Scott’s Inspiration for Casting Jacob Elordi
Scott’s decision to cast Jacob Elordi in The Dog Stars emerged directly from the actor’s standout role in Saltburn, a film crafted by Emerald Fennell that delves into the complexities of unconventional friendships among university students and the dynamics of obsession and class. Scott shared his thoughts on Elordi’s abilities:
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
Having initially sought different casting, Scott ultimately found Elordi’s layered, mysterious performance too compelling to overlook, signaling that Elordi’s skill was a key factor behind his selection, not merely studio-driven popularity.
What Makes Elordi’s Role Stand Out in The Dog Stars
The intrigue surrounding Jacob Elordi lead role in Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars is fueled by the enigmatic qualities he displayed in Saltburn. In Fennell’s film, Elordi’s character kept audiences guessing, leveraging subtle motives and unpredictable intentions, which frequently subverted viewer expectations. This same quality is likely one Scott hopes Elordi will bring to his portrayal of Hig—a character navigating emotional and physical isolation across devastated landscapes with only his dog and close friend for company.
The casting reinforces Scott’s intentional creative choices, as the director has taken care to seek out talent that fits the ambitious vision of the film. As Margaret Qualley and Josh Brolin join the project, the focus remains on whether Elordi can replicate, or even surpass, the depth and intrigue he brought to his previous performances. With the ensemble coming together, audiences can expect engaging dynamics and emotionally charged interactions within a world marked by loss and survival.
Anticipation Builds for Scott’s Vision and Elordi’s Performance
Ridley Scott’s enthusiasm for the current cast has not gone unnoticed. In speaking about the group, he described Margaret Qualley as “super duper” and complimented the whole ensemble, remarking on their collective star potential. This optimism suggests that Scott envisions The Dog Stars as a significant addition to his filmography, with Elordi as a potential standout.
If Elordi’s approach in The Dog Stars mirrors his ability to bewilder and captivate viewers as seen in Saltburn, both critics and fans may witness a performance that stands out not just in this film, but as a landmark in Elordi’s career. The project’s source material and the creative team’s energy hint that when The Dog Stars debuts in 2026, the film could emerge as a highlight for Scott, Elordi, and the cast—possibly earning recognition during awards season.
With production progressing steadily, all eyes will be on how Ridley Scott interprets Peter Heller’s acclaimed post-apocalyptic vision and especially on how Jacob Elordi shapes the fate and personality of Hig, making this role an exciting new chapter for both the actor and the storied director.
