Jacob Elordi is reportedly in early negotiations to replace Paul Mescal as the lead of Ridley Scott ’s new thriller, The Dog Stars. The forthcoming movie will be based on Peter Heller’s 2016 post-apocalyptic novel of the same name about a deadly virus that ravages the world, wiping out nearly the entirety of humanity.

The Dog Stars' has Jacob Elordi circling the lead role initially set aside for Paul Mescal, we've confirmed. Ridley Scott is still set to direct.

Paul Mescal looks to be out of Ridley Scott's post-apocalyptic thriller. But Jacob Elordi might be taking his place.

Jacob Elordi is in talks to signing on to star in Ridley Scott‘s upcoming movie The Dog Stars, replacing Paul Mescal in the lead role of the film. According to a report from Variety, Elordi is in “early negotiations” to replace Mescal in the post-apocalyptic thriller.

It looks like Ridley Scott 's post-apocalyptic thriller The Dog Stars won't be a Gladiator II reunion, after all. Due to scheduling issues, Paul Mescal is departing the film, and Jacob Elordi is being courted to replace him. Variety reports that Elordi is in early negotiations to star in the film.

“The Dog Stars” centers on a pilot named Hig (Elordi) who befriends an ex-Marine gunman while battling a band of scavengers called Reapers. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where an unnamed pandemic has decimated American society.