November 9, 2024: It looks like Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal are really building an exciting partnership! After their work together on Gladiator II, they’re now set to collaborate on The Dog Stars, an apocalyptic thriller based on Peter Heller’s 2012 novel.
This new project will see Mescal starring in a completely different role, diving into the near-future dystopian world where his character, a civilian pilot, lives a lonely existence on an abandoned Colorado airbase with his dog and a tough ex-marine. The plot kicks off when a mysterious radio transmission offers a glimmer of hope, drawing the pilot toward a possible new future.
The storyline sounds compelling, especially with its focus on survival and the unlikely partnership between two very different men. This kind of character-driven, high-stakes narrative is right up Ridley Scott’s alley, given his track record with gritty, intense films like The Martian and Alien. With Mark L. Smith adapting the novel and Scott Free producing, there’s a lot of talent behind the scenes.
Mescal’s role in Gladiator II as Lucius Verus II also promises to be a standout. The character’s arc of vengeance and the quest for power should give Mescal a lot of room to showcase his range, and it’s fascinating to see him move from the ancient world of Gladiator to the dystopian future of The Dog Stars. The contrast in these roles could really help solidify him as one of the most versatile young actors working today.
With shooting scheduled to begin in 2025, we can expect more details to emerge as production gets underway. Are you looking forward to seeing this collaboration unfold?
