Jacob Elordi Dodges Bond Talk at Ridley Scott's 'The Dog Stars' London Premiere

Jacob Elordi had a one-line answer ready when the James Bond question came at the London premiere of Ridley Scott's "The Dog Stars" on Thursday night: "I'm here on holiday." Variety

The actor walked the carpet at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square on August 20, 2026, alongside co-stars Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley and Guy Pearce. He also posed with Rak Jasper, one of three dogs that appear in the film.

"The Dog Stars" is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi picture from Disney's 20th Century Studios, directed by Scott from a screenplay by Mark L. Smith and based on Peter Heller's 2012 novel. It reaches US theatres on August 28, 2026, a date shifted from an original March 27 slot, with UK cinemas opening around the same time. Variety; 20th Century Studios

Elordi was not Scott's first choice for the lead. Paul Mescal had been eyed for the role but dropped out over scheduling conflicts with the Beatles biopics; Elordi stepped in. The actor had warm words for his director, calling Scott "the king of movies" and describing the experience as "such a treat — a dream come true." Variety

Brolin, meanwhile, told the premiere crowd that he nearly walked off the film after a single day, citing Scott's demanding process. He stayed.

For Bond watchers, Elordi's non-answer will do little to quiet the casting chatter that has swirled around him. But on Thursday night the focus belonged to Scott's latest — a film Variety flagged in June as part of its 2026 awards conversation, suggesting it may have ambitions beyond opening weekend. Variety

The carpet, the dog, and the Bond deflection all land one week before audiences get to judge the film for themselves.