After a relatively low-key 2025, Ridley Scott is gearing up for a major return to the sci-fi genre that made him a legend. His upcoming post-apocalyptic thriller, The Dog Stars, starring Josh Brolin and Jacob Elordi, is finally set to hit theaters on August 28, 2026. But that date puts it in direct competition with one of Netflix's biggest releases of the year, The Whisper Man.
Scott's last directorial effort in 2025 was a single episode of the Apple TV+ crime drama Dope Thief, which was unfortunately canceled after just one season. Before that, his most recent sci-fi film was 2017's Alien: Covenant. Now, with The Dog Stars, he's returning to the genre that helped define his career, and fans are eager to see what he brings to the table.
The film was originally slated for a March 2026 release, but the studio pushed it back to August to give the post-production team more time to polish it to the high standards expected of a Scott Free production. That delay now places it on the same day as The Whisper Man, a horror thriller that will premiere directly on Netflix. While The Dog Stars will have the advantage of a theatrical release, the streaming giant's massive subscriber base could still draw attention away from Scott's film.
Scott is no stranger to box office pressure. His recent films, including Gladiator II and Napoleon, underperformed commercially, despite mixed-to-positive reviews. The Dog Stars represents a chance for him to reclaim his status as a box office draw, especially with a star-studded cast and a compelling premise. But going head-to-head with a Netflix blockbuster is a risky move.
Interestingly, Scott's production company, Scott Free, remains heavily involved in the Alien franchise. The upcoming Alien: Earth Season 2, created by Noah Hawley, is currently in production, with Peter Dinklage and Jerome Flynn joining the cast. The duo, known for their roles as Tyrion Lannister and Bronn in Game of Thrones, will reunite on screen, adding another layer of excitement for fans.
While no official release date has been announced for Alien: Earth Season 2, it's expected to arrive before the end of 2027. In the meantime, all eyes are on The Dog Stars. Will Scott's return to sci-fi be the hit he needs? Or will the clash with Netflix's The Whisper Man hurt its chances? Only time will tell.
For those looking for more thrilling content, check out our list of action thrillers that keep you on edge or our mystery movies that are flawless from start to finish. And if you're a fan of Scott's work, you might also enjoy Scott Eastwood's WWII thriller 'Lucky Strike', which hits digital this August.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on The Dog Stars and all your favorite entertainment news.
