Scott's Post-Apocalyptic Epic Stumbles at Box Office
Ridley Scott's adaptation of Peter Heller's novel opened to an estimated $19.3 million worldwide, landing fifth domestically with $8 million from 3,330 screens. The film, starring Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, and Josh Brolin, received a 41% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 5/10 from IGN, though audience ratings were higher at 70%. With an $80 million budget, the theatrical debut falls far short of profitability expectations.
The film’s $80 million production cost stands in stark contrast to its modest opening, leaving Disney and 20th Century Studios facing a steep climb toward recoupment. Its fifth-place domestic finish placed it behind heavy hitters like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which has amassed $2.332 billion globally, and The Odyssey at $1.55 billion. Notably, fellow newcomer Coyote vs. Acme outperformed it domestically with $15.46 million, buoyed by strong reviews and a grassroots campaign that rescued the film from shelving. The Dog Stars’ mixed critical reception, including a 41% Rotten Tomatoes score, may have dampened opening-weekend turnout despite more favorable audience ratings.
This underwhelming debut could signal shifting audience priorities, where star power and established directors no longer guarantee theatrical success, especially for mid-budget genre films. The contrast with Coyote vs. Acme’s fan-driven turnout suggests that community enthusiasm and positive word-of-mouth may matter more than traditional marketing. For studios, this may reinforce caution around expensive original projects, potentially steering more productions toward streaming or franchise properties.