A major disappointment unfolded at the box office this past weekend as 20th Century Fox’s post-apocalyptic film, “The Dog Stars,” failed to make a significant impact, earning only $19.3 million during its US opening weekend. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Jacob Elordi, the movie, which Variety estimated cost $80 million to produce, faced harsh criticism for its slow pacing, cliché genre elements, and peculiar conclusion.
“The Dog Stars” joins a string of recent box office misses for Ridley Scott, following the underwhelming performances of his last three films. Despite a challenging period for the film industry, successful releases like “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” “The Odyssey,” “Michael,” and “Toy Story 5” have contributed to what could be a standout year in cinema.
Audiences seem to be gravitating towards a wider variety of films in 2026, with a shift towards original and standalone productions rather than relying solely on sequels and franchise offerings. Low-budget hits like “Backrooms” and “Obsession,” along with surprises like the anti-capitalist film “Coyote vs. Acme,” have all played a role in boosting box office revenue this year.
The overall domestic box office revenue in the US has seen a 15% increase compared to the same period last year, reaching $6.2 billion through August 2. Similarly, the English-language Canadian box office has experienced notable growth in 2026, driven by unique narratives found in films like “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie,” “Little Lorraine,” and “Mile End Kicks.”
With an optimistic outlook for the remainder of the year, projections suggest that 2026 could potentially reach a $10 billion revenue milestone. While “The Dog Stars” did not resonate with audiences, its lukewarm reception underscores the evolving preferences of viewers seeking innovative and boundary-pushing storytelling over conventional and nostalgic themes.