Elordi and Qualley Unpack Apocalypse Films: Why 'The Dog Stars' Resonates Now

Collider's Steve Weintraub recently interviewed Jacob Elordi and Margaret Qualley, the stars of Ridley Scott's upcoming sci-fi film, The Dog Stars. The actors delved into their experiences working with the renowned director, particularly his distinctive, fast-paced, multi-camera shooting style, which they found to be a challenging yet ultimately liberating process. Elordi noted, "There's something liberating in you having to submit to his process. You just have to dive in, and you have to trust him," a sentiment echoed by Qualley, who spoke about surrendering to the lack of control inherent in the filmmaking method.

Ridley Scott, known for his singular approach as seen in films like Alien and Gladiator, typically operates on a strict schedule, often completing scenes in one or two takes with multiple cameras rolling simultaneously. This intense environment ensures that all actors are performing at their peak, as every take could be the final one. Elordi recounted a humorous anecdote where, after asking for another take, the first AD simply pointed to Scott's departing car, signaling that filming was indeed wrapped for that scene. Despite the rapid pace, both actors appreciated the inability to overthink, which fostered an immediate and visceral performance.

The Dog Stars marks Scott's return to the sci-fi genre after nearly a decade and is based on Peter Heller's bestselling novel. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a virus, where society is on the brink of collapse. Jacob Elordi plays Hig, a young pilot who partners with military survivalist Bangley (Josh Brolin) to establish a protected homestead. However, a mysterious transmission prompts Hig to embark on a journey into the unknown in search of hope, where his path converges with another survivor, Cima, portrayed by Margaret Qualley. The film also features a notable cast including Guy Pearce, Benedict Wong, and Allison Janney.

Beyond their performances, Elordi and Qualley actively contributed to the film's script during weekends, personalizing it and integrating their ideas into the final cut. Elordi described this as a deeply moving experience, seeing their dialogue and personal touches accepted and utilized by a director of Scott's caliber. The conversation also touched upon the enduring appeal of apocalypse stories, with Elordi suggesting it provides a safe way to confront fears about potential realities, while Qualley mused on the current global climate often feeling like the "end of the world."

Looking ahead, both actors teased their upcoming projects. Margaret Qualley is currently working with Parker Finn (writer-director of Smile) on a remake of Possession. Jacob Elordi revealed he is set to appear in Ari Aster's next film, Scapegoat, followed by an adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel Outer Dark with László Nemes, director of Son of Saul. The Dog Stars is scheduled to open in theaters and IMAX on August 28.