Ridley Scott is gearing up for his first sci-fi outing in nearly a decade, and it's already making waves beyond the box office. The legendary director's upcoming film The Dog Stars has sparked a remarkable surge in interest for the source material, with book sales skyrocketing ahead of its theatrical release.
According to digital library service Libby, purchases of Peter Heller's acclaimed novel The Dog Stars have jumped a whopping 268.5% in the weeks leading up to the film's debut. That's a clear sign that audiences are eager to dive into the story before seeing Scott's big-screen adaptation. The film, which hits theaters this weekend, marks Scott's return to science fiction after a long detour into historical epics like Napoleon and Gladiator II.
But The Dog Stars isn't the only book enjoying a sales bump thanks to a major adaptation. Libby also reports that Alex North's psychological thriller The Whisper Man has seen a 35% increase in sales, coinciding with the release of the Netflix film starring Adam Scott, Robert De Niro, and Michelle Monaghan. It's a fascinating trend that highlights the powerful influence of Hollywood on reading habits.
Scott's return to sci-fi is a big deal for fans who've been waiting since 2017's Alien: Covenant. While he's been busy with period pieces, The Dog Stars promises to be a fresh take on the genre, and the cast is nothing short of stellar. Jacob Elordi, fresh off an Oscar nomination for Frankenstein, leads the film as Hig, with Josh Brolin, Guy Pearce, Margaret Qualley, and Benedict Wong rounding out an impressive ensemble.
The buzz around The Dog Stars is palpable, and it's not just about the star power. Scott has a knack for blending thought-provoking narratives with stunning visuals, and this adaptation of Heller's post-apocalyptic tale looks to be no exception. For those who want to get ahead of the curve, picking up the novel might be a smart move—especially if you're the type who likes to compare the book to the movie.
Meanwhile, The Whisper Man is making its own mark on the streaming world. The Netflix thriller, which drops this Friday, is based on North's novel about a father and son haunted by a serial killer's legacy. With a 35% sales spike, it's clear that viewers are curious about the source material before pressing play.
This dual surge in book sales is a testament to the enduring power of adaptations to drive interest in literature. Whether it's a big-budget sci-fi epic or a streaming thriller, audiences love to explore the origins of their favorite stories. And with Ridley Scott at the helm, The Dog Stars is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of the year.
For more on Ridley Scott's latest project, check out our interview with Jacob Elordi and Margaret Qualley on the chaos of working with Ridley Scott. And if you're in the mood for more suspense, our list of thriller movies that keep you guessing is a must-read.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on The Dog Stars, now playing in theaters everywhere.
