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Ridley Scott Calls Pandemic Dog Film Best Since Martian

7/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ridley Scott (director) says The Dog Stars, opening in United States on August 28, 2026, is his best film since The Martian.
Jacob Elordi (actor), Josh Brolin (actor) and Margaret Qualley (actor) star.
Hig, his dog Jasper and Bangley survive a flu pandemic and chase a radio signal.
Filming took place in spring 2025 at Rome and Cinecittà, prompting protests over Jasper’s breed change to a Belgian Malinois and Scott’s “F*ck off” reply.

History

Historical Context

When Alejandro Iñárritu’s 2015 survival epic The Revenant wrapped after a $135 million shoot that highlighted on-set safety concerns, Italy’s film oversight already had deep roots—its 1962 censorship law governed productions until its repeal in 2021. Ridley Scott’s Dog Stars now faces similar protests at Cinecittà, echoing the earlier scrutiny of high-budget sets.

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Story summary

Ridley Scott (director) says The Dog Stars, opening in United States on August 28, 2026, is his best film since The Martian.
Jacob Elordi (actor), Josh Brolin (actor) and Margaret Qualley (actor) star.
Hig, his dog Jasper and Bangley survive a flu pandemic and chase a radio signal.
Filming took place in spring 2025 at Rome and Cinecittà, prompting protests over Jasper’s breed change to a Belgian Malinois and Scott’s “F*ck off” reply.

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