Ridley Scott Faces Box Office Losses and Streaming Setbacks

Ridley Scott faces mixed results across his film and television projects, as his post-apocalyptic drama The Dog Stars finishes its theatrical run with disappointing revenue, Apple TV's Dope Thief remains canceled after one season, and his upcoming Treasure Island adaptation moves toward production with Hugh Jackman attached to the cast. The developments highlight contrasting commercial outcomes for the veteran filmmaker's work across theatrical releases and streaming platforms.

According to Box Office Mojo figures cited by MovieWeb on October 9, 2026, The Dog Stars generated approximately $39 million worldwide against a reported production budget ranging from $70 million to $110 million. The film earned just under $15 million domestically and another $24 million internationally, leaving a substantial shortfall before marketing expenses.

The film, distributed by 20th Century Studios, opened in 3,330 domestic theaters on August 28, 2026, earning $7.7 million in its debut weekend. Its theatrical footprint subsequently fell to 1,030 locations, then 110, before settling at approximately 100 screens as ticket sales weakened.

Directed by Scott, the 119-minute adaptation of Peter Heller's 2012 novel stars Jacob Elordi as Hig, a pilot surviving in Colorado after a superflu pandemic. Josh Brolin plays his survivalist companion, while Margaret Qualley and Guy Pearce appear as the story expands beyond the protagonists' home base.

Critics gave The Dog Stars a 41% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviews criticizing its slow pacing despite its visual presentation. Robert Daniels of RogerEbert.com wrote:

"It probably takes more effort to make a boring post-apocalyptic survivalist action film than to make a good one. If that's the case, then Ridley Scott must've been working overtime on The Dog Stars."

MovieWeb also noted that the film's release was moved from March to late August, a period when competing theatrical releases were drawing audiences. Its subdued approach to the post-apocalyptic genre and limited commercial performance have raised questions about audience demand for Scott's original stories without an established franchise connection.

Scott's television work has also encountered setbacks. According to Collider's October 8 report, Dope Thief, an Apple TV crime thriller produced through his Scott Free banner, was not renewed for a second season despite its substantial creative involvement from the filmmaker, who also directed an episode.

The series stars Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura, who replaced Michael Mando during production. Written by Peter Craig, the drama follows two friends posing as Drug Enforcement Administration agents to rob a rural property before becoming entangled in a larger drug conspiracy.

Co-producer David W. Zucker discussed the decision in an interview with ScreenRant, acknowledging that another season had been possible but was not approved.

"There was a way we potentially could have gone forward with that story, and I think it performed relatively well [...] but it wasn't one that they opted to continue with."

Zucker also expressed surprise about the prospects of other projects connected to Scott's science fiction universe.

"never thought we would make Alien: Earth or Blade Runner 2099," Zucker said.

Despite Dope Thief's cancellation, Alien: Earth has been renewed for a second season, with production underway ahead of its expected return before the end of 2027, according to Collider. Zucker also indicated that Dope Thief could potentially return in the future, although no revival has been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Scott's Treasure Island adaptation has attracted Hugh Jackman, who told Variety that the screenplay by Jack Thorne persuaded him to join the project. The actor said he had not previously read Robert Louis Stevenson's novel or watched an adaptation, although he recognized elements of its familiar pirate mythology.

Jackman explained his initial reaction to the screenplay:

"Really, it was the script. I know Ridley and Ridley goes: 'Dude.'"

He described receiving the screenplay and discovering the original story's influence on familiar pirate conventions.

"He sent me the script, and I just read it. I had never read the book, had never seen the movie. I knew various things about it."

Jackman also praised Thorne's writing, referring to the writer's work on Adolescence and the Harry Potter stage production.

"I was like: 'Oh, they came from that.' And Jack Thorne, who famously wrote Adolescence and did Harry Potter for the stage show - this script was just undeniable. I was just like: 'Oh, this is amazing.' That was it."

The actor said the screenplay maintained uncertainty about the story's direction while delivering a satisfying resolution.

"All I knew was I had no idea where it was going, and I was very surprised but satisfied at the end," Jackman said.

Treasure Island follows young Jim Hawkins after he discovers a map leading to buried treasure and embarks on a dangerous sea voyage that brings him into conflict with Long John Silver. Scott hopes to begin filming on November 1, according to The News International's October 9 report.