20th Century Fox’s film “The Dog Stars” had a disappointing opening weekend at the box office, bringing in only $19.3 million in the United States. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Jacob Elordi, the movie was estimated to cost $80 million to produce by Variety. The film, based on Peter Heller’s novel, received criticism for its slow pace, clichéd genre elements, and peculiar ending.
This underwhelming performance adds to Ridley Scott’s recent string of box office misses, following films like “Napoleon” and “Gladiator 2.” “The Dog Stars” joins other 2026 box office disappointments such as “Supergirl,” “The Bride,” and “Moana.”
Despite some films struggling, the industry has seen success with movies like “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” “The Odyssey,” “Michael,” and “Toy Story 5.” The year has shown promising box office growth, with a shift towards original and standalone films resonating with audiences.
The U.S. box office revenue reached $6.2 billion by August 2, a 15% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the English-language Canadian box office experienced growth, driven by unique films like “Nirvana the Band the Show the Movie,” “Little Lorraine,” and “Mile End Kicks.”
2026 has been a positive year for the film industry, with potential for a $10 billion year according to Variety. While “The Dog Stars” struggled, it reflects a changing audience preference for innovative storytelling over conventional narratives seen in other underperforming films.