Jacob Elordi is reportedly in early negotiations to replace Paul Mescal as the lead in Ridley Scott’s upcoming thriller, The Dog Stars. The film, based on Peter Heller’s 2016 post-apocalyptic novel of the same name, tells the story of a deadly virus that decimates humanity, leaving behind a small group of survivors.
While Mescal, 28, had initially been attached to the project, he was forced to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts with Sam Mendes’ highly anticipated four-piece Beatles biopic, according to Variety. Should the deal be finalised, Elordi, 27, would take on the role of Hig, a pilot who, along with his dog and a tough gunman, struggles to survive in a world overrun by dangerous scavengers known as the Reapers.
Elordi’s representatives have yet to comment on the matter. However, The Independent has reached out for a statement.
The casting shift comes after Ridley Scott appeared to reveal Mescal’s involvement in the Beatles film during a Los Angeles screening of his Gladiator sequel. In conversation with director Christopher Nolan, Scott mentioned, “Paul is actually stacked up, doing the Beatles next. So I may have to let him go.”
Although it hasn’t been confirmed which Beatle Mescal will portray, there’s speculation that he may play Paul McCartney due to his striking resemblance to the legendary musician.
This revelation follows comments made by Ringo Starr about Barry Keoghan being cast as him in the film, while other rumours suggest that Joseph Quinn of Stranger Things and Harris Dickinson of Triangle of Sadness may take on the roles of George Harrison and John Lennon, respectively.
Meanwhile, Jacob Elordi has a busy year ahead. His hit HBO series Euphoria is scheduled to begin production for its long-awaited third season this spring. Additionally, he is set to star opposite Margot Robbie in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights. The Dog Stars is also expected to begin production around the same time, though it remains unclear whether any of these projects will be delayed to accommodate one another.