Director Ridley Scott might have found a new muse, with reports that Jacob Elordi is set to replace Paul Mescal in his upcoming film, The Dog Stars. While Mescal was due to begin filming on the post-apocalyptic thriller — his second project with Scott after Gladiator II — according to Variety, the actor has run into scheduling issues, thanks to his role in the Beatles biopic. But fellow internet boyfriend Elordi has reportedly come to the rescue, and is said to be in early negotiations to lead the film adaptation of Peter Heller’s cult-favourite novel.
While we wait to see exactly how this casting plays out, here's everything we know about The Dog Stars so far...
What is the film about?
The plot? Think of it as a buddy cop film crossed with a post-pandemic dystopia. Elorid (or Mescal) is set to play a loner holed up on a desolate Colorado airbase with his trusty dog and a grizzled ex-Marine who’s more Rambo than rescue. Set in a near future where a mysterious pandemic has wiped out most of the U.S. population, the odd couple has to figure out how to coexist while fighting off intruders.
Just as they settle into their new normal, a faint radio signal crackles through the pilot’s 1956 Cessna. It’s a glimmer of hope, suggesting that life beyond their bleak bubble might actually exist. With nothing left to lose, our daring protagonist takes a leap of faith and soars past the point of no return.
Who is in the cast?
Until recently, only Paul Mescal had been confirmed as part of the cast. With this now up in the air, we'll be waiting patiently to see who else joins the project in the coming months.
When will the film be released?
While there’s no official release date yet, The Dog Stars already has us bracing for an epic mix of survival drama, bleak humour, and maybe a dog that steals the show. We'll keep you posted as we hear more.
