Project Hail Mary
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Phil Lord
Christopher Miller
Screenplay by Drew Goddard
Based on Project Hail Mary
by Andy Weir
Produced by
  • Amy Pascal
  • Ryan Gosling
  • Phil Lord
  • Christopher Miller
  • Aditya Sood
  • Rachel O'Connor
  • Andy Weir
Starring
  • Ryan Gosling
  • Sandra Hüller
  • Lionel Boyce
  • Ken Leung
  • Milana Vayntrub
Cinematography Greig Fraser
Edited by Chris Dickens
Music by Daniel Pemberton
Production
companies
  • Pascal Pictures
  • General Admission
  • Lord Miller Productions
Distributed by
  • Amazon MGM Studios (United States and Canada)
  • Sony Pictures Releasing International (International)
Release date
  • March 20, 2026 (2026-03-20)
Running time
156 minutes[1]
Country United States
Language English
Budget
  • $248 million (gross)[2]
  • $200 million (net)

Project Hail Mary is an upcoming American science fiction adventure film produced and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, and written by Drew Goddard, based on the 2021 novel by Andy Weir. It stars Ryan Gosling (who is also a producer), Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, and Milana Vayntrub. The film follows Ryland Grace, a man who awakens on an interstellar spacecraft with no memory of how he came to be there.

Project Hail Mary is scheduled to be released in the United States by Amazon MGM Studios on March 20, 2026.

Premise

Astronaut Ryland Grace awakens on a spacecraft with no memory of himself or his mission. He deduces he is the sole survivor of a crew sent to the Tau Ceti system to save Earth from disaster. To do so, Grace must rely on his vast array of scientific knowledge, sheer ingenuity, and human will, but he learns he is not alone: he is aided by an alien he dubs Rocky, who has come to save his world from the same fate.[3]

Cast

Ryan Gosling, who plays Dr. Ryland Grace, also serves as a producer on the film
  • Ryan Gosling as Dr. Ryland Grace, an astronaut who is on a mission to save humanity
  • Sandra Hüller as Eva Stratt, Ryland's superior and the head of the Hail Mary project
  • Lionel Boyce as Officer Steve Hatch
  • Ken Leung as Yáo Li-Jie, one of the crewmembers of the Hail Mary
  • Milana Vayntrub as Olesya Ilyukhina, one of the crewmembers of the Hail Mary
  • Liz Kingsman as Annie Shapiro, a backup crewmember of the Hail Mary
  • Orion Lee as Xi
  • Aaron Neil as Narender
  • James Ortiz as the voice and lead puppeteer of Rocky, an alien Ryland encounters on his journey[4]
  • Priya Kansara as the voice of Mary, the Hail Mary ship[4]

Production

Development

In March 2020, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was nearing a deal to acquire the project, an adaptation of the then-upcoming Andy Weir novel Project Hail Mary, with Ryan Gosling set to star in and produce the film.[5] The rights for the novel were acquired for $3 million.[6] In May, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were hired to direct and produce the film.[7] Drew Goddard (who previously adapted Weir's The Martian into a feature film) was hired to write the screenplay the next month.[8] In April 2024, Amazon MGM Studios, which acquired Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 2022,[9] announced a possible 2026 release window for the film.[10] In May 2024, Sandra Hüller joined the cast of the film, with Greig Fraser hired as cinematographer.[11] In June, Milana Vayntrub joined the cast.[12]

Filming

Principal photography began on June 3, 2024 in the United Kingdom and wrapped on October 26, 2024.[13][14] Filming occurred at Shepperton Studios.[15] Location filming took place at the South Parade Pier in Portsmouth,[16] and the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory in Cambridge.[17]

Post-production

The film's visual effects were provided by Framestore (which also collaborated on the film adaptation of The Martian[18]), Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony Pictures Imageworks, BUF and Wylie Co. VFX, with Paul Lambert and Mags Sarnowska serving as visual effects supervisors.[19] Chris Dickens edited the film.[20]

Phil Lord has praised the collaboration between visual and practical effects in the creation of the character Rocky's performance:

Rocky was built and designed by the legendary Neal Scanlan and his creature shop and is performed by puppeteering legend James Ortiz and his team, who were on set with Ryan in every scene. Rocky’s performance is a beautiful collaboration between the James and the other Rockyteers on set and the wonderful animators at Framestore led by the funny soulful [Arslan Elver].[21]

Music

It was announced at San Diego Comic Con that Daniel Pemberton would score the film. Pemberton previously worked with Lord and Miller on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and its sequel, which they produced. This is the first film Lord and Miller directed to not be scored by Mark Mothersbaugh.[22]

Marketing

The trailer was released on June 30, 2025.[23] The studio said that it was the most viewed trailer for any movie (that was not a sequel or remake) in the first week of its release, accumulating 400 million views globally.[24]

Lego released a model of the Hail Mary spacecraft on March 1, 2026 as part of the Lego Icons series.[25]

Release

Project Hail Mary will be released on March 20, 2026, by Amazon MGM Studios in the United States and Canada, and Sony Pictures Releasing International in all other countries. It will also be released in IMAX, with a 1.43:1 aspect ratio in select IMAX theaters.[26][27][28][29]

Reception

Critical response

Early press reviews of the film were positive.[30][31][32]

Mexican animator Jorge R. Gutierrez of Mexopolis called it "Epic, sprawling, hilarious, visionary, soulful, heartfelt, timely, hopeful, gorgeous and did I mention epic!?!"[33] American film journalist Eric Kohn wrote that the movie "continues Weir’s uncanny ability to transform hard science into palatable mass market entertainment. Excited to spend the next year debating astrobiology!"[34] Australian media personality Maude Garrett posted that the "movie faithfully & brilliantly adapts the book. I loved everything about it! Gosling is SO perfect as Ryland Grace."[35] Screenwriter and The Walking Dead showrunner Scott M. Gimple thought the movie was terrific.[36]

Accolades

Accolades received by The Martian (film)
Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Guild of Music Supervisors Awards February 28, 2026 Best Music Supervision in a Film Trailer Vanessa Jorge Perry, Tyler Torrison Nominated [37][38]

Box office

On February 26, 2026, Deadline Hollywood reported that the film was projected for a $45 million to $55 million domestic opening weekend.[39]

References

  1. ^ "Project Hail Mary (2026)". Irish Film Classification Office. February 10, 2026. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
  2. ^ Mendelson, Scott (March 3, 2026). "Amazon's $200 Million Hail Mary". Puck. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  3. ^ Ntim, Zac; Gomez, Dessi (February 8, 2026). "Super Bowl Trailer: 'Project Hail Mary'". Deadline. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
  4. ^ a b Miller, Christopher [@chrizmillr] (February 8, 2026). "Introducing the incredibly talented lead puppeteer James Ortiz as the translated voice of Rocky! He was the voice and scene partner with Ryan on set - he *was* Rocky. And also Priya Kansara as Mary, the voice of the Hail Mary ship!" (Tweet). Retrieved February 8, 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  5. ^ Fleming Jr, Mike (March 27, 2020). "MGM In Exclusive Talks for Hot Andy Weir Sci-Fi Novel 'Project Hail Mary,' Ryan Gosling Attached To Star & Produce". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 29, 2020.
  6. ^ Lang, Brent; Donnelly, Matt (October 30, 2020). "Breaking Down MGM's Costly 'No Time to Die' Dilemma". Variety.
  7. ^ Kroll, Justin (May 15, 2020). "Phil Lord and Chris Miller to Direct Ryan Gosling Astronaut Film (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  8. ^ Kit, Borys (June 18, 2020). "Lord & Miller's 'Project Hail Mary' Enlisting 'The Martian' Scribe Drew Goddard (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  9. ^ Maas, Jennifer (March 17, 2022). "Amazon Closes $8.5 Billion Acquisition of MGM". Variety. Archived from the original on April 4, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  10. ^ McClintock, Pamela (April 10, 2024). "Amazon MGM Teases Dwayne Johnson-Chris Evans Holiday Pic 'Red One,' Expands Theatrical Slate". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  11. ^ Kroll, Justin (May 29, 2024). "'Anatomy Of A Fall' Star Sandra Hüller To Co-Star Opposite Ryan Gosling In 'Project Hail Mary' Adaptation For Amazon MGM Studios, Amy Pascal And Lord & Miller". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
  12. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (June 17, 2024). "Milana Vayntrub Joins Amazon MGM Studios' Upcoming 'Project Hail Mary' Movie". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  13. ^ Chitwood, Adam (June 3, 2024). "'Dune' Cinematographer Greig Fraser to Shoot Phil Lord and Chris Miller's 'Project Hail Mary'". TheWrap. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  14. ^ Miller, Christopher [@chrizmillr] (October 26, 2024). "That's a wrap on principal photography on Project Hail Mary!" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  15. ^ EXCLUSIVE: Ryan Gosling to film space feature at Shepperton Studios
  16. ^ Gilyeat, David (October 15, 2024). "Ryan Gosling spotted filming on pier in Portsmouth". BBC News. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
  17. ^ Brackley, Paul (October 14, 2024). "In pictures: Ryan Gosling films new sci-fi movie Project Hail Mary at observatory near Cambridge". Cambridge Independent. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
  18. ^ Wolfe, Jennifer (October 5, 2015). "Framestore Delivers Stellar VFX for 'The Martian'". Animation World Network. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
  19. ^ Frei, Vincent. "Project Hail Mary". The Art of VFX. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  20. ^ Edgeworth, Shane (October 30, 2024). "Ryan Gosling's Next Known Feature Film, Project Hail Mary, Should Be on Everyone's Radar". Hollywood North Magazine. Retrieved February 8, 2026.
  21. ^ Couch, Aaron (February 8, 2026). "'Project Hail Mary': Rocky Revealed as Theater Artist James Ortiz". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  22. ^ "Daniel Pemberton Scoring Phil Lord's & Christopher Miller's 'Project Hail Mary'". Film Music Reporter. July 26, 2025. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
  23. ^ Gajewski, Ryan (June 30, 2025). "Ryan Gosling Is Earth's Only Hope in 'Project Hail Mary' Trailer". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  24. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 9, 2025). "'Project Hail Mary' Trailer Blasts Off To 400M Views In First Week; Ryan Gosling, Lord & Miller Heading To Comic-Con". Deadline. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  25. ^ "Lego Icons :: Project Hail Mary". Lego. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  26. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 18, 2024). "Ryan Gosling, Lord & Miller Amazon MGM Studios Space Adventure 'Project Hail Mary' Sets Launch For Spring 2026". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
  27. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (June 27, 2025). "Amazon MGM Studios & Sony Pictures Ink Multi-Year International Theatrical Distribution Deal". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
  28. ^ Gray, Jeremy (June 30, 2025). "'Project Hail Mary' Film Adaptation Looks Like a Visual Feast". PetaPixel. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
  29. ^ Kim, Anny (December 16, 2025). "Everything to know about 'Project Hail Mary,' coming soon from Amazon MGM Studios". About Amazon. Retrieved December 31, 2025.
  30. ^ Dunn, Jack (February 24, 2026). "'Project Hail Mary' First Reactions: Ryan Gosling Is a 'Shining Star' in Christopher Miller and Phil Lord's 'Must-See Space Odyssey'". Variety.
  31. ^ Blevins, Adam (February 25, 2026). "Ryan Gosling's New Sci-Fi Epic Is Already Being Hailed as a "Masterpiece" That Rivals 'Interstellar'". Collider.
  32. ^ Rezwan, Fariba (February 25, 2026). "Ryan Gosling's New Sci-Fi Epic Movie From Acclaimed Directors Is Declared "A Must-See Space Odyssey" In First Reactions". Screen Rant.
  33. ^ Gutierrez, Jorge R. [@mexopolis] (February 26, 2026). "What @philiplord and @chrizmillr have done with Project Hail Mary is nothing short of miraculous!" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  34. ^ Kohn, Eric [@erickohn] (February 26, 2026). "PROJECT HAIL MARY is a faithful adaptation of the book and as such, incredibly charming and imaginative" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  35. ^ Garrett, Maude [@maudegarrett] (February 26, 2026). "#ProjectHailMary is my fave standalone book of all time. This movie needed to be perfect" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  36. ^ Gimple, Scott M. [@ScottMGimple] (February 26, 2026). "I've known Phil Lord and Chris Miller for a very long time" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  37. ^ Gupta, Shatakshi (January 15, 2026). "Guild of Music Supervisors Awards (GMS) 2026 Nominations: Complete list of nominees explored". Soap Central.
  38. ^ "2026 NOMINEES". Guild of Music Supervisors Awards.
  39. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 27, 2026). "'Project Hail Mary' To Blast Off To $45M-$55M Opening, 'Ready Or Not 2' $11M+ – Early Box Office Look". Deadline. Retrieved February 27, 2026.