Disney Delays The Dog Stars to August 2026

Disney has reshuffled its release calendar for several upcoming films, most notably delaying Ridley Scott's post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller The Dog Stars from March 27, 2026, to August 28, 2026. The adjustment, announced Monday, aims to position the film away from direct competition with another high-profile sci-fi adaptation, Project Hail Mary, set for March 20, 2026.

The Dog Stars, an adaptation of Peter Heller's 2012 novel, follows Hig, a civilian pilot living on an abandoned airbase with his dog and an ex-Marine after a deadly virus decimates humanity. Survivors navigate threats from roaming scavengers known as Reapers, and Hig picks up a mysterious radio transmission that offers hope for a better future. Scott directs the project, which he revealed in November 2024 as his follow-up to Gladiator II. The cast includes Jacob Elordi as the pilot, alongside Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Benedict Wong, and Guy Pearce. Mark L. Smith adapted the screenplay, with Michael A. Pruss producing under 20th Century Studios, a Disney subsidiary.

The original March 27 date placed The Dog Stars just one week after Project Hail Mary, a Universal Pictures release starring Ryan Gosling and...