Actor Josh Brolin has shared that he seriously considered leaving Ridley Scott's upcoming post-apocalyptic film The Dog Stars after just a single day on set, saying he initially found the director's filmmaking approach overwhelming. In an interview with People, Brolin explained that Scott's preference for filming with minimal rehearsal made him feel uneasy at the start of production. Accustomed to a different process, the actor admitted he became anxious and even contacted his agent, saying he wanted to quit because something "felt wrong."

Brolin's longtime agent encouraged him not to make a snap decision and suggested he wait before walking away from the project. Everything changed after Scott invited Brolin into his trailer to review footage from a scene he had just filmed alongside co-star Jacob Elordi. Watching the completed sequence reassured the actor, who realized Scott's unconventional style was producing impressive results. That moment helped him gain confidence and embrace the director's creative process.

Although Brolin had previously collaborated with Scott on American Gangster, he said it still took him a couple of days to adjust to the filmmaker's fast-moving, multi-camera method. Once he adapted, he found the experience both exhilarating and creatively rewarding. Brolin described The Dog Stars as one of the most fulfilling projects of his career. He noted that while he had always wanted to challenge himself with more ambitious roles, his initial reaction was to resist the very opportunity he had been seeking.

Directed by Ridley Scott, The Dog Stars is based on Peter Heller's bestselling novel and features a screenplay by Mark L. Smith. The cast includes Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, Benedict Wong, Allison Janney, and Josh Brolin. The story follows Hig, a civilian pilot portrayed by Elordi, who survives in a post-apocalyptic world until a mysterious radio signal inspires him to embark on a dangerous journey in search of hope. Brolin is also set to appear in Whalefall and will return as Gurney Halleck in Dune: Part Three. The Dog Stars is currently scheduled to arrive in theatres on August 28.