20th Century Fox’s movie “The Dog Stars” had a disappointing opening weekend at the box office, bringing in only $19.3 million in the US. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Jacob Elordi, the film was estimated to cost $80 million to produce. Critics panned the movie for its slow pace, cliché genre elements, and peculiar ending, based on the adaptation of Peter Heller’s novel.
This underwhelming performance adds to Ridley Scott’s recent string of box office misses, following “Napoleon” and “Gladiator 2.” Other films that failed to impress this year include “Supergirl,” “The Bride,” and “Moana.” Despite these setbacks, the film industry has seen successes, with hits like “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey” contributing to a potentially record-breaking year. The 2026 box office has seen a shift towards original films, such as “Backrooms” and “Project Hail Mary,” resonating with audiences.
The US box office revenue reached $6.2 billion by August 2, showing a 15% increase from the previous year. Similarly, the Canadian box office saw significant growth, with films like “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie,” “Little Lorraine,” and “Mile End Kicks” leading the way. According to Telefilm Canada, the box office gross in Canada rose by nearly 180% in the first two quarters of 2026 compared to the same period in the previous year.
Despite the overall positive trends in the industry, “The Dog Stars” failed to capture audience interest, highlighting a shifting preference towards innovative and unconventional storytelling. The film’s lackluster performance aligns with other films criticized for relying on traditional storytelling methods, signaling a demand for fresh and original narratives in today’s cinema landscape.
