Ridley Scottis one of the most talented and versatile directors of all time. He hasdedicated his career to working both as a director and producer, elevating a wide variety of stories.
His filmography really speaks tohis commitment to choosing stories that he is passionate about. For example, while he has directed big blockbusters,Scott also helmedThelma & Louise. This was a women-centric film that, as Scott noted, multiple other directors turned down after reading the script.
The director’s last couple of movies have leaned into his historical epic side. This includes his2023 biopicNapoleon, as well as last year’s long-awaitedGladiator II. His 2021 movie,The Last Duel,also falls within this subgenre.
That said,Scott is far from a one-trick pony. In his career, he has also explored another major genre that he will return to soon.
Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars Sees Him Return To Sci-Fi - What It’s About
The Movie Is Based On A Book By Peter Heller
Scott’s next feature directorial project isThe Dog Stars. This movie will returnScott to the sci-fi genre, whichhe has stepped away from ever sinceAlien: Covenantin 2017.The Dog Starsis an adaptation of Peter Heller’s 2012 novel of the same name.
The movie’s plot focuses ona post-apocalyptic world wherein a virus has destroyed most of humanity. Only a few survive, but those few face groups of roaming scavengers called Reapers. The story centers largely around a man named Hig who lost his wife to the flu.
So far,The Dog Stars’confirmed cast includes Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, Guy Pearce, and Benedict Wong.The script is co-written by Mark L. Smith and Christopher Wilkinson. It is set for release on June 18, 2025.
Ridley Scott’s Sci-Fi Movie Return Is Very Exciting
He Has Been One Of The Genre’s Leaders
The Dog Starspresents agreat opportunity for Scott to return to the sci-fi genre.While not all of his work in this domain has been flawless, this is the director who was behind bothAlienandBlade Runner.
Not only were these films well-received in their time periods, butthey have also gone on to be genre-defining works. For example,Alienkicked off what has become one of the biggest sci-fi franchises of all time. It just recently had another hit withAlien: Romulus, and has a TV show coming out this August.
Blade Runnerhas not had nearly as many entries, but it had awell-received sequel withBlade Runner 2049in 2017. This just goes to show how important Scott is to the genre, because his movies have not only been moneymaking, buthave also kicked off franchises and influenced other moviesin the process.
Scott has the chance to make another definitive sci-fi work withThe Dog Stars. While there are no guarantees that it will be nearly as big as something likeAlienorBlade Runner, it is nonetheless an exciting return for Scott in the sci-fi genre.
Ridley Scott’s Last Sci-Fi Book Adaptation Worked Brilliantly
Scott Directed The Martian In 2015
Scott is experienced with adapting major sci-fi books to the big screen.His last effort in that regard wasThe Martian, a 2015 Matt Damon-led film about an astronaut who becomes stranded on Mars and has to find an innovative way to survive while alerting his crew that he’s still alive.
Andy Weir’s novel was in some ways pretty hard to adapt. The book gets into the nitty-gritty of the story’s scientific logic, including how plants would grow on Mars, and more.Scott took this challenge in stride.
This really ended up paying off for hisThe Martianadaptation. The film wasa critical and box office hitthat went on to be nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture.
The movie also showed just how competentScottis at adapting sci-fi novels. As he returns to the genre that made him so famous, this track record withThe Martianis a great sign going intoThe Dog Stars.
