Ridley Scott's upcoming dystopian thriller 'The Dog Stars' is expanding its cast, having already secured Jacob Elordi as the protagonist.

Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, and Guy Pearce are nearing final negotiations to join the film under 20th Century Studios. The screenplay, penned by Mark L. Smith, is an adaptation of Peter Heller's 2012 apocalyptic novel titled 'The Dog Stars'.

The plot of 'The Dog Stars' follows a civilian pilot residing on a deserted airbase with his dog and a former Marine, amidst a catastrophic pandemic. A mysterious signal received via the pilot’s 1956 Cessna radio suggests the possibility of a new beginning.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, last month Jacob Elordi was in preliminary talks to replace Paul Mescal. At a December screening of 'Gladiator II', Scott mentioned that Mescal was likely to exit 'The Dog Stars' to focus on Sam Mendes’ extensive Beatles project with Sony, reportedly portraying Paul McCartney, although this has not been officially confirmed.

Producers of 'The Dog Stars' include Smith and Cliff Roberts, with the production coming from Scott's own Scott Free company.

Qualley has been acclaimed for her recent performance in last year’s 'The Substance' and will appear in the upcoming 'Honey Don’t!' and 'Happy Gilmore 2.’

Brolin is set to star in 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' and Edgar Wright’s remake of 'The Running Man'.

Guy Pearce has received his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in highly-praised 'The Brutalist.’

MORE NEWS