20th Century Studios released the first trailer for Ridley Scott's upcoming film The Dog Stars at CinemaCon on the studio's presentation day. The post-apocalyptic thriller, based on Peter Heller's 2012 novel, is scheduled to open in theaters on August 28, 2026.

The film follows a civilian pilot and a former Marine navigating the aftermath of a flu pandemic that has wiped out nearly the entire population. The official logline describes it as a thriller set in a world where survival is instinct but humanity is a choice.

Jacob Elordi stars as Hig, a pilot who flies a small yellow plane in search of hope and humanity. Josh Brolin plays Bangley, Margaret Qualley plays Cima, and Guy Pearce appears as Pops, a former Navy SEAL and Cima's father. Allison Janney and Benedict Wong also appear in undisclosed roles, with Janney seen in the trailer wearing what appears to be a vintage stewardess uniform.

The trailer opens with footage of Hig and his pregnant wife with their new puppy Jasper. Later footage shows that Hig's wife has died, although he still has his dog Jasper.

In a video message shown to attendees, Scott said the film is "particularly tailored for the big screen. Every frame, I hope, will really blow you away."

The Dog Stars was adapted for the screen by Mark L. Smith, whose previous credits include Twisters and The Revenant. It is Scott's first film after directing Gladiator II, released in 2024, and marks his return to 20th Century Studios following a five-year run there from 2012 to 2017.

Scott shifted his focus to the science-fiction project after a Bee Gees biopic at Paramount Pictures was paused. Scott said Paramount had changed the goalposts on that project.

Paul Mescal was originally set to play the leading role but exited in early 2025 due to scheduling conflicts with Sam Mendes's Beatles biopics. Elordi was in talks to replace Mescal in January 2025, while he was filming Wuthering Heights and the third season of HBO's Euphoria. Production began in Italy in April 2025.