Jacob Elordi is at the center of one of the most high-profile productions of the year. The post-apocalyptic thriller The Dog Stars, helmed by legendary director Ridley Scott, is currently filming in Italy — and Elordi isn’t just leading the cast, he’s anchoring a genre project that’s quickly become must-watch material for fans of intense, character-driven storytelling.
The Dog Stars Casts Elordi Alongside Brolin, Qualley, Pearce, And Wong
What started as a novel adaptation has transformed into a cinematic event. Based on Peter Heller’s 2012 novel, The Dog Stars features a cast that reads like a greatest hits of modern cinema: Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, and Benedict Wong join Elordi in a story about survival, hope, and human connection after society collapses.
Wong’s addition to the lineup — following his Marvel run as the sorcerer Wong — adds another layer of intrigue to the ensemble. The actor, who’s also earning buzz for his upcoming role in the horror film Weapons, reunites with Scott once again, this time with a cast that includes fellow MCU alum Brolin. It’s a rare combination of talent from different franchises converging under Scott’s direction.
Elordi Replaces Paul Mescal And Takes On The Role Of Hig
Originally, Paul Mescal was attached to the project, but scheduling conflicts with his role in Sam Mendes’s Beatles series forced a reshuffle. Enter Elordi, who has been building a strong reputation with roles in Saltburn, Euphoria, and more. His casting as Hig — the lonely pilot at the heart of the story — feels like a perfect match.
Elordi’s Hig is a man broken by loss, living in isolation with his dog and a hardened ex-marine. But when a mysterious radio transmission sparks hope, he risks everything to find out if there’s a life beyond his desolate world. It’s a role that blends quiet emotional weight with the kind of tension that thrives in Scott’s visual storytelling.
The Dog Stars Promises Emotional Depth In A Visually Striking World
With Mark L. Smith (The Revenant) on script duties and Scott producing alongside Scott Free’s Michael Pruss, The Dog Stars isn’t just leaning on its cast for impact. It’s a story about what remains when humanity is stripped down by a pandemic — and what we’re willing to risk for hope.
Smith’s screenplay reportedly captures the tone of the novel while adding cinematic layers to the setting. The isolated Colorado airbase, the old Cessna, the dog — these aren’t just props. They’re extensions of Hig’s inner world. And Elordi’s performance will be key in making that emotional landscape resonate with audiences.
Why This Could Be The Breakout Role Elordi Has Been Waiting For
Elordi has shown range in recent years, but The Dog Stars gives him a lead role where he carries the weight of the story. It’s the kind of part that could redefine how he’s seen in Hollywood. Not just as a youth icon from Euphoria, but as a serious actor capable of anchoring a film by one of cinema’s greatest living directors.
Fans of Elordi and genre films alike should keep a close eye on this one. With a cast that includes Brolin, Qualley, Pearce, and Wong — and a director like Scott at the helm — The Dog Stars is more than just another adaptation. It’s a chance for Elordi to soar past his previous work and into something truly memorable.
When Can We See Jacob Elordi In The Dog Stars?
There’s no official release date yet for The Dog Stars, but with production underway and the buzz building, it’s expected to hit theaters or streaming platforms sometime in late 2025 or early 2026. Given the talent involved and the genre appeal, it’s likely to make a strong impression wherever it lands.
Until then, Elordi fans will have to wait — but with projects like Saltburn already in the mix, his trajectory is hard to ignore. And now, with The Dog Stars, he’s not just in the game. He’s leading the pack.