Project Hail Mary Early Reactions: Why Critics Are Calling Ryan Gosling’s Sci-Fi Epic a 'Masterpiece'

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The new movie Project Hail Mary is based on a book by Andy Weir. It stars Ryan Gosling as a teacher who becomes an astronaut. He wakes up on a spaceship and can not remember who he is. He soon learns he must save Earth from a disaster.

Experts think the movie will earn between $60 million and $70 million in its first weekend. It opens in theaters and IMAX on 20 March 2026. This is a big release for Amazon MGM Studios.

A Directorial Return to the Stars


Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are the directors of this movie. They have not directed a live-action film together in ten years. This story is a mix of science and adventure, and its filming took 145 days in the United Kingdom. The crew used massive sets to make the space scenes look real. Sandra Huller also stars in the film.

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Lord and Miller told Variety: "There’s a balance between honoring the fans and inviting new audiences. People who know the book will still get a rich experience, and those who don’t… well, they’ll come for Gosling and stay for the science."

Will the Project Hail Mary Budget Pay Off for Amazon MGM?


Amazon MGM spent $150 million to make Project Hail Mary, so the studio wants people to see this movie in theaters instead of home. Early reports suggest it could be the biggest hit of early 2026. This film is a major test for the studio after they bought MGM.

If this movie succeeds, it will reestablish Ryan Gosling’s fan following. Overall, the success of Project Hail Mary will change how Hollywood looks at science fiction. If people like this movie, studios will make more films about discovery. We might see fewer dark stories about the future. This film could start a new trend of hopeful movies about humans solving big problems.

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