Renowned British director Ridley Scott plans for his upcoming film The Dog Stars to become a major box office success, with much of the film’s prospects depending on actor Jacob Elordi’s rising popularity. The Dog Stars marks Scott’s return to science fiction for the first time since 2017’s Alien: Covenant, as he adapts Peter Heller’s post-apocalyptic novel into a cinematic experience.
Scott’s Sci-Fi Track Record and The Dog Stars’ Storyline
Ridley Scott’s previous science fiction projects have seen varied responses. Alien: Covenant divided both critics and audiences but still achieved moderate box office returns. Earlier, The Martian emerged as a major hit, grossing $603 million worldwide, following Prometheus, which earned $403 million and solidified Scott’s place in the genre. The Dog Stars takes place after a devastating pandemic nearly wipes out humanity, focusing on a pilot and a former marine who search for other survivors while defending themselves from hostile threats.
Jacob Elordi’s Transition From Streaming Fame to Big Screen Challenge
Following mixed success with movies like Napoleon and The Last Duel, Ridley Scott found renewed box office success with Gladiator II in 2024, which was highlighted by Paul Mescal’s standout performance. With this success fresh in mind, Scott cast Jacob Elordi as the lead in The Dog Stars, aiming to replicate the formula by elevating a younger star known mostly for streaming projects.
Elordi gained acclaim from roles in Saltburn, Priscilla, and the hit TV series Euphoria, but his popularity has primarily flourished on streaming platforms rather than through theatrical releases. The Kissing Booth trilogy performed well on Netflix, yet Elordi’s ability to draw crowds in cinemas remains largely unproven. Upcoming projects such as Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights adaptation are slated for 2025 and 2026, though Elordi’s casting in Wuthering Heights has sparked controversy over alleged whitewashing issues.
The Dog Stars represents Elordi’s first major chance to showcase himself as a leading actor capable of carrying a blockbuster film, moving beyond his Gen Z heartthrob image to appeal to a broader audience.
Potential Impact of Elordi’s Lead Role on The Dog Stars’ Box Office Performance
Jacob Elordi’s casting reflects a cautious yet hopeful strategy by Ridley Scott, reminiscent of Scott’s confidence in Paul Mescal, whose limited big-screen exposure did not hinder Gladiator II’s success. While Mescal was noted for indie films like All of Us Strangers and Aftersun before rising to prominence, Scott’s willingness to invest in new talent paid off. The Dog Stars could similarly become the platform that affirms Elordi’s capacity to headline major films and expands his reach beyond streaming acclaim.
As Scott navigates this next chapter, the film’s reception will not only measure its own success but also test the strength of Jacob Elordi’s drawing power in a competitive cinematic landscape.
