Thescreescore – The highly anticipated sci-fi action epic, The Dog Stars, directed by the legendary Ridley Scott, nearly faced an early dramatic exit from one of its key players, Josh Brolin. As Scott’s follow-up to 2024’s Gladiator II, the upcoming feature promises a gritty post-apocalyptic narrative, but its production was almost derailed by a clash of creative styles that left Brolin on the verge of abandoning the project entirely.
Set to hit theaters on August 28, 2026, The Dog Stars stars Jacob Elordi as Hig, a pilot navigating a world decimated by a global virus. Brolin joins a formidable ensemble cast that includes Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, Allison Janney, and Benedict Wong. However, in a recent interview with Empire, Brolin divulged the intense apprehension he experienced during his initial days on set in Italy, revealing a near-mutiny over Scott’s unconventional directorial approach.
Upon arriving for rehearsals, Brolin was taken aback by Scott’s preference for storytelling and minimal actual run-throughs. This departure from traditional preparation deeply unsettled the actor, known for his meticulous craft. "Ridley was talking a lot of stories and not really rehearsing, and it bugged me out, and I got really scared," Brolin recounted, expressing a profound sense of unease. His discomfort escalated to the point where he contacted his agent, declaring, "I want out. Something’s really wrong, and I’ve got to get the f**k out of here." Fortunately, his agent, a close confidant, urged him to reconsider, suggesting a day’s rest. Brolin, convinced of his decision, initially dismissed the advice, certain his gut feeling was correct.
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Scott’s method, as Brolin eventually understood, prioritizes capturing raw immediacy and dynamic energy during filming, often foregoing extensive rehearsals. This philosophy, which was also a significant talking point during the production of Gladiator II, involves utilizing multiple cameras simultaneously, particularly for action sequences, to maintain a rapid production pace. This allows for spontaneous moments to be preserved, injecting a unique vitality into the performances and narrative.
The turning point arrived when Scott invited Brolin into his trailer to view the footage they had just shot. Brolin vividly recalls the moment: "He brought me into his trailer, and played the scene we had just finished. It was a really good, very dynamic scene between me and Jacob, and he goes, ‘Okay?’ I go, ‘Okay,’ and then I started to feed off that." Witnessing the compelling results of Scott’s seemingly chaotic process transformed Brolin’s perspective. He not only reconciled with the director’s style but fully embraced its "stratospherically creative and stratospherically dangerous" nature.
Reflecting on the experience, Brolin now considers The Dog Stars a career highlight. "It took about a day or two for me to really embrace that, and then I got super into it because it was stratospherically creative and stratospherically dangerous," he shared. "It was like, ‘This is what I’ve been asking for but now I’m getting it, I’m fighting it, because there’s zero comfort in it.’ It became one of the more creative, satisfying projects that I’ve ever been involved with."
While Scott boasts an unparalleled filmography featuring classics like Alien (1979), Blade Runner (1982), and Gladiator (2000), his recent endeavors have seen mixed fortunes. Gladiator II garnered soft critical reviews and underperformed at the box office, reportedly stalling plans for a third installment. Similarly, 2023’s Napoleon received a polarizing reception.
However, The Dog Stars, based on Peter Heller’s 2012 novel, appears to be a more contained, brisk sci-fi action thriller rather than a sprawling historical epic. This format could be perfectly suited to Scott’s fast-paced, spontaneous filmmaking technique, potentially offering the veteran director an opportunity for a resounding success. At 88 years old, Scott shows no signs of slowing down, and the anticipation for this new post-apocalyptic adventure is palpable. Audiences will soon have the chance to witness the fruits of this uniquely challenging, yet ultimately rewarding, collaboration when The Dog Stars premieres on August 28. For more exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and film news, visit thescreescore.com.
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