Production
Development
In November 2024, Ridley Scott stated that after shooting his planned Bee Gees biopic, he wanted to direct a then-unrevealed sci-fi film, adding that "it's already written." [2] This project was later revealed to be based on the 2012 novel The Dog Stars by Peter Heller, adapted by Mark L. Smith and Christopher Wilkinson. [3] By this time, it was set to be Scott's next film, with filming set to begin in spring 2025. [4] [5]
Casting
In November 2024, it was announced that Paul Mescal was in advanced negotiations to star in the film. [4] [6] However, due to scheduling conflicts, it was later reported in January 2025 that Jacob Elordi was in early negotiations to replace Mescal. [7] In February, Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, and Guy Pearce were in final negotiations to join the cast. [8] In early May 2025, Benedict Wong joined the cast. [9]
Filming
Principal photography began in Bordano in April 2025. [10] [11] [12] From May 12 to 16, filming took place in Cansiglio, a plateau in the Alpine foothills. [13] [14] [15] [16] Later that month, filming took place in Avezzano. [17] In June, production moved to Rome, where filming took place at Cinecittà Studios and in Casal Bernocchi and the EUR. [18] [19] [20] Production concluded in late June 2025. [21]
