Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars promises to be a very different kind of post-apocalyptic movie. Based on Peter Heller’s novel, the film stars Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Guy Pearce and Margaret Qualley, with Scott directing. During a recent virtual press conference, the filmmakers offered plenty of insight into the movie’s themes, production, characters and unusual approach to filmmaking.
Here are the five biggest things we learned from The Dog Stars press conference.
1. Ridley Scott Changed More Than Expected
Scott explained that adapting a novel for film requires understanding that the two mediums have very different dynamics. While Mark Smith delivered what Scott described as a great screenplay, the director still made changes during development, particularly to the third act.
One of the biggest changes involved the film’s destination and its supposed sanctuary; Scott teased that the location ultimately becomes something far more disturbing, describing it as essentially a food factory where humans are treated as food.
2. The Dog Stars Is Built Around Survival, Humanity and Hope
Despite its bleak setting, Scott does not see The Dog Stars as simply a grim survival story. When asked about the movie’s central themes, he immediately answered, “Survival,” while also discussing the importance of empathy, sympathy and humour.
Scott said he wants the movie to entertain while still challenging its audience. The post-pandemic world of the film is deliberately unsettling because many of the disasters it depicts do not feel entirely removed from reality.
3. Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin Developed Their Own Dynamic
The relationship between Elordi’s Hig and Brolin’s Bangley appears to be one of the film’s biggest strengths. Scott compared their dynamic to The Odd Couple, while Brolin explained that he and Elordi quickly developed a genuine rapport.
Rather than simply sticking rigidly to the screenplay, the actors experimented during production and gradually began relying on each other. Brolin believes that relationship comes through in the finished movie.
4. Scott Embraced a Loose, Experimental Shooting Style
One of the most fascinating revelations was Scott’s approach to filming. Brolin described the production as unpredictable, with Scott frequently changing scenes, cutting material and encouraging experimentation.
Scott explained that his approach is influenced by his documentary background. Instead of relying exclusively on traditional rehearsal, he wants to create a natural environment where performances can develop organically. The actors initially found the process chaotic, but eventually described it as creatively rewarding.
5. The Dog Stars Uses Real Locations Instead of Relying on CGI
The stunning Italian landscapes are not simply digital creations. Brolin revealed that the production was heavily practical, with the mountains and surrounding environments providing the real backdrop for the characters.
The cast filmed in the Dolomites, while other locations, including an airbase, were transformed for the movie. Brolin described working in the real environments as being completely different from working on a soundstage. Scott also emphasized the importance of photography as the visual language of cinema.
Final Thoughts
The Dog Stars press conference made it clear that Scott is approaching the film as more than another post-apocalyptic thriller. Between its emphasis on survival, human relationships, practical locations and an intentionally unpredictable filmmaking process, the movie could offer a distinctive take on a familiar genre.
With Scott describing The Dog Stars as one of only a handful of screenplays that immediately convinced him to direct, expectations are certainly high.
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