Ridley Scottis soon to make his long-awaited return to science fiction, but a box office battle with another hotly-anticipated release mirroring his own work may affect his latest film’s haul. FromAlientoBlade Runner,Ridley Scott’s moviesinclude some of the greatest works of cinematic sci-fi in history, intriguing and challenging the minds of viewers.
Scott’s most recent work has mostly been in the realm of historical epics, includingNapoleon, The Last Duel, and the long-awaited sequel to one of his most beloved films,Gladiator II.However,it hasn’t been since 2017’sAlien: Covenantthat he’s graced the sci-fi genrethat granted him so many accolades with his presence.
That’s looking to change asScott makes his return to science fictionviaThe Dog Stars,an adaptation of the Peter Heller novel of the same name. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly virus, the book revolves arounda pilot who sets out on a journey to find the source of some new radio activity, possibly indicating other survivors.
Slated for release in March 2026,The Dog Starswill feature a stacked cast, including Jacob Elordi as the civilian pilot Hig and Josh Brolin as his ex-soldier survivalist companion, Bangley. Guy Pearce, Margaret Qualley, and Benedict Wong will also be lending their talents in supporting roles, further filling out the desolate post-apocalyptic world.
The Dog Stars Will Face Off Against Project Hail Mary At The Box Office
There’s Only Room For One Great Sci-Fi Victor In March 2026
However, March 2026 will offer some significant box office competition for Scott’s first science fiction film outsidetheAlienfranchisein over a decade. Slated for release a mere week beforeThe Dog StarsisProject Hail Mary, another original book adaptation sci-fi blockbusterstarring Ryan Gosling as an amnesiac astronaut.
BothThe Dog StarsandProject Hail Marywill undoubtedly be fighting each other for box office dominance, trying to occupy the same cinematic niche in the first quarter of 2026. Between the star power at-hand and the promise of a high-concept science fiction book adaptation, the two projects are eerily similar to one another.
Coming out in the space of a single week, it’s very likely that only one of the two films will be able to claim commercial victory, asthe tight release window doesn’t give much room for sci-fi filmsnot part of an existing franchise to both co-exist. Unfortunately for Scott,The Dog Starsseems to have the weaker chance of taking home victory.
Ridley Scott’s The Martian Proves Project Hail Mary Will Beat The Dog Stars
The Director’s Own Success Proves His Next Film May Be In Dire Straits
Ironically enough, the success of Scott’s own filmography proves just how muchProject Hail Maryhas going for it in the upcoming battle. Scott made a generous contribution to the niche genre ofmovies where Matt Damon is rescuedwithThe Martian, adapting the book of the same name.
Also a cinematic adaptation of an Andy Weir novel,The Martiantook home a staggering $653 millionwhen it released in 2015, banking on Damon’s charisma and the strong foundation of Weir’s story. Casting Damon as Mark Whatney, who carries the majority of the film thanks to his isolation on Mars, was a stroke of genius that paid off.
It seems as thoughProject Hail Marywill be taking a page out of Scott’s playbook to defeat him at the box office.Project Hail Maryseems to bepositioning Gosling to succeed in a similar manner to Damon’s performance, emphasizing his wit and charm as a stranded lone astronaut in a desolate survival scenario.
If history is anything to go by, this strategy should pay off big-time forProject Hail Mary. The Dog StarsElordi simply hasn’t reached Gosling’s level of popularity, and with the recognizable success of the formula still in pop culture memory withThe Martian, Scott’s own work remains an ominous indicator of his chances at financial victory.
On the other hand,Project Hail Maryhas the enviable position ofintroducing some high-concept sci-fi with Gosling as a star, which echoes Denis Villeneuve’s attempts to do the same with his casting of the actor inBlade Runner 2049.While the sequel is critically beloved,Blade Runner 2049was a massive box office flop, just like the original film.
Project Hail Mary’s more difficult-to-understand concept and narrative retrograde amnesia could hurt it by following in the footsteps ofBlade Runner 2049.
Just as Scott’s past sci-fi work may be an indicator ofProject Hail Mary’s strengths, the legacy sequel to one of his most iconic films may demonstrate its downfall. Compared toThe Dog Stars,Project Hail Mary’s more difficult-to-understand concept and narrative retrograde amnesia could hurt it by following in the footsteps ofBlade Runner 2049.
Gosling’s latest film,The Fall Guy, also underperformed at the box office, hinting that as critically beloved as he may be, he often finds himself at the center of financial failures.The Dog Starswill also have the advantages of a fresh post-apocalyptic setting and compelling villains in the form of the Reapers from the book.
InThe Dog Stars, Reapers are vicious raiders who prey on peaceful survivors in the post-apocalypse.
Still, no matter how much more compelling audiences may findThe Dog Stars, at the end of the day, star power is simply too important to ignore. Not only does Gosling’s recognizability outrank any of Scott’s upcoming cast, butits similarity toThe Martiangives it enough status as a spiritual sequelto fly light years ahead.
Which film will actually be critically acclaimed is another question entirely, andit’s very possible thatThe Dog Starswill be better regarded as time goes on. For now, sadly,Ridley Scott’s own past success will come back to haunt him in the upcoming box office duel between his latest film andProject Hail Mary.
