The locations of Ridley Scott's "The Dog Stars": Abruzzo takes center stage in international cinema.

For his new film, The Dog Stars , Ridley Scott chose Italy, and specifically the Abruzzo region, as one of his key locations. The production, based in Cinecittà for some scenes, chose to film in several iconic locations throughout the Abruzzo region, including L'Aquila, Marsica, Avezzano, Ovindoli , and the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park.

The municipal administration of L'Aquila actively collaborated with the production, ordering " a ban on transit and parking with forced removal in the square in front of the Gran Sasso cable car station in Campo Imperatore ", to facilitate the filming, which in that area mainly consisted of aerial shots, probably an overflight, therefore without restrictions for hikers.

Ridley Scott in Abruzzo

A particularly important chapter is represented by the choice of Ovindoli , “an ideal setting” for the film thanks to its uncontaminated nature and the authenticity of the village, which enthusiastically welcomed the crew and the production, Panorama Film Srl .

Some of the most significant scenes were filmed in the Campo di Via area, with significant logistical support from the Municipality, which arranged for the temporary closure of the Dolcevita car parks and surrounding areas, thus ensuring a safe and functional environment for filming.

The production expressed its official thanks to the Municipality of Ovindoli, Mayor Angelo Ciminelli, and the entire community, emphasizing that " the availability shown by all your offices and the Municipal Police, together with the warm welcome and collaboration of the local community, was a decisive element in the success of the project. " Words that recognize the value of the area not only as a " natural setting of great charm ," but also as a "place capable of hosting and supporting cultural projects of international scope."

What is The Dog Stars about?

The setting chosen by Ridley Scott for The Dog Stars is fundamental: the story, based on the post-apocalyptic novel of the same name by Peter Heller , tells the life of Hig, a widowed former pilot who survived a global pandemic, played by Australian actor Jacob Elordi .

Set in a post-civilization world , the film explores themes of resilience and rebirth, with natural landscapes expressing both drama and poetry. Ovindoli , with its woods, vast expanses of grass, and the imposing Sirente and Velino mountains, thus becomes a "silent character" capable of communicating authenticity and identity.

The role of Ovindoli and its surroundings

The support of the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park was crucial to accessing the most evocative areas and seamlessly integrating nature into the visual narrative, demonstrating how this environmental heritage is a dynamic resource, ready to support international cultural projects.

Filming involved a large crew of over 400 Italian professionals and hundreds of international ones, including a large number of local extras and crew. The production generated a positive economic impact on the area through the occupancy of accommodation facilities, the use of commercial activities, and the creation of temporary employment opportunities. Above all, it left a lasting legacy in terms of global visibility.

When The Dog Stars is released in international theaters, scheduled for March 2026 by Disney and 20th Century Studios, millions of viewers around the world will be able to admire the landscapes of Abruzzo and discover a still little-known but extraordinarily fascinating territory.

Not just Abruzzo

In addition to Abruzzo, Italian filming also touched Friuli Venezia Giulia , with scenes at Lake Bordano, and Veneto, with locations such as Cansiglio and various pre-Alpine villages. Finally, Rome hosted some key scenes, filmed at the Cinecittà studios and in the EUR district near the obelisk, with spectacular special effects in a post-apocalyptic setting.

In short, The Dog Stars is not only an ambitious international film project, but also an extraordinary opportunity to spotlight Italian landscapes and communities, particularly those of Abruzzo, which offer authenticity, beauty, and a welcoming spirit.