20th Century Fox’s movie “The Dog Stars” had a lackluster opening weekend, earning only $19.3 million in the US box office. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Jacob Elordi, the film was estimated to cost $80 million to produce by Variety. This performance marked one of the weakest debuts for a mainstream Hollywood release in 2026.

The plot follows a group of survivors navigating a post-apocalyptic America after a devastating pandemic. Critically panned for its slow pace, cliché genre elements, and strange conclusion, the film failed to impress audiences. Ridley Scott, known for hits like “Alien,” has now had three consecutive box office disappointments with his recent projects.

“The Dog Stars” joins a list of 2026 box office duds, including films like “Supergirl,” “The Bride,” and “Moana.” Despite industry challenges, successful movies such as “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” “The Odyssey,” “Michael,” and “Toy Story 5” have propelled 2026 to potentially be a standout year for cinema.

This year’s box office success can be attributed to a wider array of original films resonating with audiences, as opposed to the dominance of sequels and franchise films in past years. Unique releases like “Backrooms,” “Obsession,” and “Project Hail Mary,” along with unexpected hits like “Coyote vs. Acme,” have contributed to the industry’s growth.

In the US, box office revenue surged to $6.2 billion by early August, up 15% from the same period last year. Canada also witnessed a significant increase in box office earnings, driven by films such as “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie,” “Little Lorraine,” and “Mile End Kicks.”

As per Telefilm Canada’s latest report, Canadian box office revenue soared nearly 180% in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year. With anticipated releases like “Dune 3” and “Avengers: Doomsday,” the year may reach a $10 billion box office mark, although films like “The Dog Stars” have struggled to find success in this evolving cinematic landscape.