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Ridley Scott’s New Sci-Fi Flop Officially Dropped From 3K Theaters After $15 Million Box Office Haul
Ridley Scott's science-fiction film "The Dog Stars" has become a significant commercial disappointment, withdrawn from theatrical release after less than a month despite a substantial promotional campaign and widespread anticipation for Scott's return to the genre. The film's rapid collapse highlights a notable failure for one of cinema's most respected directors, who has built a career of acclaimed science-fiction work.
The film opened with just £6.1 million domestically over its first weekend—among Scott's lowest-ever debuts—and experienced a 91% revenue drop by its fourth weekend, grossing merely £20,000. Released across 3,300 theatres nationwide, it has now been cut to approximately 110 locations, representing a 97% reduction in theatrical footprint. Globally, "The Dog Stars" has accumulated around £31 million against a reported budget of approximately £79 million, underperforming even Scott's 2006 drama "A Good Year." The film, starring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, and Margaret Qualley, holds a 40% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics describing it as "derivative and drowsy." Scott is now focusing on a "Treasure Island" adaptation featuring Hugh Jackman.
In short
- Ridley Scott's sci-fi film pulled from 97% of theatres after massive box-office failure
- Domestic total under £12 million; global £31 million on £79 million budget
- Film received poor critical reception with 40% Rotten Tomatoes score
Explained simply
Ridley Scott is a British film director known for large-scale films, including science-fiction titles such as Alien and Blade Runner. The Dog Stars is a science-fiction film starring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley, and marked Scott’s return to the genre.
A film’s theatrical release is its run in cinemas, where ticket sales help determine whether cinemas keep showing it. The Dog Stars opened widely, but its audience and box-office takings fell quickly; its reported production budget was about £79 million, making its commercial performance a concern for the film’s backers.
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