Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin & Guy Pearce To Star In “The Dog Stars”

Disney’s 20th Century Studios is developing a brand new film called “The Dog Stars”, which is based on the Peter Heller thriller, which is set in the near future when an unnamed pandemic has decimated American society. However, a civilian pilot lives a lonely life on an abandoned Colorado airbase with his dog and a tough ex-marine, according to a synopsis from the producers. The two men, though mismatched, depend on each other to fend off roaming invaders. When a random transmission beams through the radio of the pilot’s 1956 Cessna, the hope of a better life opens up, and the pilot follows its static-broken trail.

The cast for this new film is slowly coming together, with Jacob Elordi taking on the lead role.  Jacob has previously starred in “Saltburn”, “The Kissing Booth” and “Euphoria”.

He will play the role of Hig, a crop duster pilot living on an abandoned Colorado airfield isolated in the foothills of a mountain range, the Great Plains, long deserted farm land, and small towns. We discover that society has changed profoundly. Whoever has survived strives to exist within these tragic circumstances. 

Initially,  Paul Mescal was going to star in the movie, but at a special screening of Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator 2”, it was revealed that Paul would likely drop out of the project due to the actor being busy with the upcoming Sam Mendes’ four-film Beatles project.

It has also been revealed that Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, and Guy Pearce are in final talks to star in the movie.

Josh Brolin will be playing the role of a “Ranger” called Bangley. They are obliged to tolerate each other in sharing and navigating this dangerous and uncompromising new world. Daily but systematically, Hig pilots his 50-year-old Cessna with his only friend, an elderly beloved dog, Jasper, his cockpit companion. Searching in ever-widening diameters to find and replenish diminishing supplies, but most importantly, “his quest” in believing in his question that there must be a world out there.  Josh has previously starred in “Deadpool 2” and “Avengers: Endgame”.

Margaret Qualley will play the role of Cima, an intern doctor, the daughter of a protective world-weary rancher, who will be played by Guy Pearce, who fiercely guards his kin and “fortress.” This encounter evolves into a possible and intelligent future for all. Margaret Qualley has previously starred in “Poor Things” and “Substance”.   Guy Pearce has previously starred in “Iron Man 3” and “Neighbours”.

Ridley Scott is directing the upcoming film. He has worked with 20th Century Studios on many films throughout his career, including multiple Alien films, The Last Duel, The Martian, and Exodus: Gods and Kings.

The project is being adapted by Mark L Smith, who is producing, along with Steve Asbell and Cliff Roberts and Ridley’s production company, Scott Free.

Production is expected to begin in Italy around the Dolomite region in April.  No release details have been confirmed, though the film will likely be released in cinemas first before hitting streaming services.

What do you think of the cast for “The Dog Stars”?  Let me know on social media!