Ridley Scott continues to be one of the hardest-working directors in Hollywood, and his latest effort, The Dog Stars, has quietly become one of the standout film relEases of the season. After premiering at the Telluride Film Festival and arriving in theaters through 20th Century Studios in late 2025, the big question on audiences’ minds is simple: when can you watch it at home? Here is everything we know about the movie’s streaming debut on Disney+ (and Hulu in the US), plus what to expect from the Blu-ray and DVD releases.
What Is The Dog Stars About?
The Dog Stars is an adaptation of Peter Heller’s acclaimed 2012 novel of the same name. Set in a world ravaged by a devastating flu pandemic, the story follows Hig, a pilot played by Jacob Elordi, who survives at a small airfield alongside his loyal dog and his heavily armed, paranoid neighbor Bangley, brought to life by Josh Brolin. Margaret Qualley also stars in the adaptation.
A More Intimate Side of Ridley Scott
While Scott is best known for sweeping epics like Gladiator and Napoleon, The Dog Stars is a smaller-scale, deeply personal project — a meditation on grief, companionship, and hope in a collapsed world. The film was reportedly championed within 20th Century Studios, and its warm festival reception suggested the veteran director had delivered something special.
When Will The Dog Stars Arrive on Disney+?
According to Polygon, Disney has not yet locked in an official streaming date for The Dog Stars, but the release window can be estimated based on the studio’s established habits. Recent 20th Century Studios titles have typically made the jump from theaters to streaming roughly 90 to 120 days after their theatrical debut.
If The Dog Stars follows that same pattern, viewers can expect it to land on streaming around late 2025 into early 2026. As with other 20th Century releases, the film is expected to stream on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ internationally under the Star banner, so the exact platform depends on your region.
What About Blu-ray and DVD?
Physical media collectors will likely need a bit more patience. Disney’s typical rollout puts premium video-on-demand (digital rental and purchase) first — often within a month or two of the theatrical run — followed by the subscription streaming debut, with Blu-ray and DVD releases arriving last. 20th Century titles have continued to receive disc editions through distribution partners, so The Dog Stars should follow suit, though exact dates and special feature details remain unconfirmed.
Why Disney’s Layered Release Strategy Matters
The staggered release model may frustrate impatient viewers, but it reflects the modern economics of Hollywood. Studios maximize revenue by giving films a exclusive theatrical window, then a profitable PVOD period, then a streaming debut that boosts subscriber numbers, and finally a physical media release for collectors. Adult-skewing dramas like The Dog Stars often benefit from strong word of mouth during these longer windows, and its positive critical reception could work in its favor as it moves through each stage.
Make a Night of It: Pair the Movie With Survival Games
If post-apocalyptic stories are your thing, why stop at one? A movie-and-gaming marathon is the perfect way to spend an evening. Titles like The Last of Us, Days Gone, and other survival adventures make ideal companions to Hig’s journey. You can pick up game keys and digital gift cards at TURGAME.com at competitive prices and stock up before your next apocalyptic binge session.
As soon as Disney confirms official streaming and disc dates for The Dog Stars, expect announcements to come fast — so keep an eye on your platform of choice.
Source: Polygon