The Dog Stars, Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic thriller, is moving beyond its underwhelming cinema run with a digital release on 27 October 2026 and a Blu-ray launch scheduled for 1 December.
Adapted from Peter Heller’s novel, the film earned approximately $39 million worldwide against an estimated production budget of $70 million to $110 million. Reviews were mixed, with a 41% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. Some critics objected to its measured pace, while others responded positively to its quiet, reflective approach.
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When can Australians watch The Dog Stars?
The film will be available to purchase digitally in UHD for $24.99 through services including Prime Video from 27 October. A physical Blu-ray edition follows on 1 December.
Because The Dog Stars was distributed by Disney-owned 20th Century Studios, it may eventually stream on Disney+. That outcome is not confirmed. Disney has previously placed many of its R-rated films on Hulu, although the company has increasingly brought its library together under Disney+. Based on the company’s usual pattern of taking around three months or longer after a theatrical release, a Disney+ arrival could occur in December 2026 or January 2027.
What is The Dog Stars about?
The story follows Hig, played by Jacob Elordi, a former mechanic and pilot trying to survive in Colorado after a devastating flu pandemic has killed almost everyone. His closest companion is Jasper, his dog, while his uneasy human alliance is with Bangley, a suspicious former Marine played by Josh Brolin.
Hig and Bangley disagree about how to respond to strangers in a dangerous, sparsely populated world. After a tragedy changes their situation, Hig investigates a radio transmission that may indicate the presence of other survivors.
His search brings him together with Pops and Cima, a father and daughter portrayed by Guy Pearce and Margaret Qualley. The group begins looking for a possible safe haven, giving the film a survival story built around isolation, trust and the possibility of rebuilding a life after civilisation’s collapse.
Scott directed the film from a screenplay by Mark L. Smith. The director’s next reported project is a 2027 adaptation of Treasure Island.
Prefer your post-apocalyptic action with a joystick in hand? RETROCADE’s arcade light guns and arcade machines offer a different way to spend time between screenings. For a smaller setup, see the range of bartop arcades.
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