PROJECT HAIL MARY is a 2026 science fiction adventure film produced and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, from a screenplay by Drew Goddard. The film is based on the 2021 New York Times best-selling novel of the same name by Andy Weir (The Martian).
Astronaut Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) awakens on a spacecraft with no memory of himself or his mission. He slowly deduces he is the sole survivor of a crew sent to the Tau Ceti solar system in search of a solution to a catastrophic event on Earth. In his search for answers, Grace must rely on his vast array of scientific knowledge, sheer ingenuity, and human will – but he may not have to search alone.
The cast includes Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, and Milana Vayntrub.
PROJECT HAIL MARY made its debut in theaters March 20th, courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios.
Lets be honest, they had me at Ryan Gosling. That is my guy. He is such an amazing actor, but one my favorite roles of his would probably be The Place Beyond the Pines, probably because it felt like such a different role for him. Gosling is easily one of the most talented actors working today, and he has proven that when it comes time to tug at the old heart strings, he is more than capable.
The marketing campaign for PROJECT HAIL MARY has been pretty impressive to say the least, building up steam during the Super Bowl and never slowing down. But they really didn’t need to sell me on the movie, I was already going opening day no matter what.
The day finally came and I was able to see PROJECT HAIL MARY during a Thursday afternoon showing in a packed IMAX theater, and all I can say is wow. This movie is just so damn good. I was sitting there with a bunch of complete strangers and within 30 seconds of the film starting we were all laughing out loud like a bunch of friends. Ryan Gosling’s impact on the film was felt immediately, and it just got better from there.
This is such a big movie in so many ways and you really should try and see it in IMAX, ACX, Screen X, or whatever kind of “X” technology is available for you. While you’re at it check out the horror movie X (our full review here), which is also fantastic. Bottom line, when it comes to PROJECT HAIL MARY, go big or go home!! But seriously, see this movie in theaters because if you even consider waiting until it releases at home, you are doing yourself a disservice. Plus the successful release of the film likely means it will stay in theaters for awhile (fingers crossed).
I loved every single thing about PROJECT HAIL MARY. In every way this film encompasses the reason why we go to the movie theater. So often I will go and see a movie that I am excited about and I will show up to a half-full theater, which is a bummer. Granted I often try and go to matinee showings when possible because I have way too many kids, but it just did not matter with PROJECT HAIL MARY.
When I was reserving my seat online I couldn’t believe how fast the theater was selling out. Clearly the marketing campaign worked getting people pumped up for this movie, but the biggest accomplishment is the fact that it absolutely delivers in every conceivable way. I got up from my seat with the biggest smile on my face as the credits began to roll.
Ryan Gosling has accomplished so much in his career as an actor, but his performance in PROJECT HAIL MARY may be his best yet. Seems like a crazy thing to say, right? I agree. But he is everything in this movie. He is hilarious, smart, heartwarming, and his infectious personality literally shines through the screen. Basically if you read his characters bio on Match.com you would be ALL IN. All jokes aside, his character Ryland Grace is the ultimate blend of humility, compassion, and selflessness. Also quick shoutout to actress Sandra Hüller who was amazing as well, and also my guy Lionel Boyce (The Bear), who crushed it as Carl.
Now granted it took some doing to get him there, but you will fall in love with Ryland Grace I can guarantee you that. He is just so incredibly relatable as the definition of an imperfect person poised for a story of redemption. I have yet to read the book, but a buddy of mine told me that Gosling was without a doubt the perfect person to play this character, and that statement alone moved the book to the top of my must-read list. Admittedly, I read books at a snails pace, but I hear it is a very easy read that keeps the pages turning.
Plus, what is better than art benefiting art? Think about it, people who love movies will go see PROJECT HAIL MARY, and people who loved the book will also go and see the movie. In turn, people like me who were blown away by the movie will now read the book. It is a really awesome full circle sort of thing that just makes it that much more special when a book becomes such a successful movie.
We have to tip our hats to sci-fi/fantasy author Andy Weir, who also wrote The Martian, which Ridley Scott turned into a blockbuster film starring Matt Damon back in 2015. Bottom line, if you get two of your books made into movies with the lead roles going to Matt Damon and Ryan Gosling, you better get a damn star on the Hollywood Hall of Fame that is all I am saying.
Back on track a bit here, PROJECT HAIL MARY is just such an amazing film. When I think about it I honestly can’t help but smile, and I really just want to see it again as soon as possible. My hope is I can get my wife out to see it with me assuming we can lock our kids in the closet for 2 1/2 hours without law enforcement getting involved. Kidding, sort of. The friendship between Grace and Rocky, the incredible visuals, the poetic soundtrack/score, the limitless humor, it all just comes together to create one of the best moviegoing experiences in recent memory.
I watched a video of a surprise appearance Gosling did at an early screening for the film, and he said something that resonated with me. He said it is not our job as viewers to keep the moviegoing experience alive, but it is the job of studios, directors, actors, etc, to create something that is worthy of the big screen. Well PROJECT HAIL MARY is not only worthy of the big screen, it is the best theater experience this year and it is not even close.
THE VERDICT
A rare cinematic book-to-screen adaptation featuring an incredibly touching performance from Ryan Gosling, PROJECT HAIL MARY is a hilarious and heartwarming sci-fi adventure that absolutely blew me away. I can seriously talk about how much I loved this movie for hours and hours, but do yourself a favor and see this movie in theaters as soon as humanly possible.
I mean, Ryland Grace made a trip to space to save mankind with no chance at getting back, a quick drive to the theater in support of his heroism really is the least you can do.
TED TAKES RATING - 9.8/10
PROJECT HAIL MARY is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.