Advertisement
Ryan Gosling is headed back to space, this time with a little more humor and a lot more stakes. Amazon MGM Studios has announced the theatrical release of Project Hail Mary for March 20, 2026, marking the much-anticipated adaptation of Andy Weir’s 2021 sci-fi bestseller. The film centers on Ryland Grace, a mild-mannered middle school science teacher turned reluctant astronaut, portrayed by Gosling. He wakes up alone on a spaceship called Hail Mary with no memory of how he got there—only to slowly piece together that he’s humanity’s last hope in a mission to save Earth from a cosmic disaster.
The story’s premise unfolds with both gravity and wit. As the sun’s energy dwindles due to a mysterious alien microorganism, Grace embarks on a journey across galaxies to find a solution. But what sets this apart from your typical end-of-the-world space thriller is the heart at its core—Grace’s unexpected bond with an alien creature he names Rocky. In the trailer, Gosling captures this dynamic with dry charm, saying, “He’s kind of growing on me. At least he’s not growing IN me. Which was a concern for a little while.” His performance promises the same blend of intellect and irreverence that made The Martian a fan favorite.
Directed by Oscar-winning duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film boasts a script by Drew Goddard—who also penned the screenplay for The Martian—so it’s no surprise that this adaptation brings scientific realism, emotional resonance, and offbeat comedy into orbit. Gosling himself joked at CinemaCon, “We tried to put it on a TV once. It didn’t fit,” teasing the story’s vast scale and layered storytelling.
He’s joined by a strong ensemble cast, including Sandra Hüller, Milana Vayntrub, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, Liz Kingsman, and others. While their roles remain under wraps, expectations are high, especially with such diverse talent and Lord & Miller’s ability to balance spectacle with sincerity.
Much like Weir’s The Martian, Project Hail Mary hinges on one person’s intellect and endurance against astronomical odds. But this story pushes further into unknown territory—literally—with a first-contact friendship and a space setting that’s more existential than Martian. Gosling’s return to space, following First Man, signals a character-driven journey that’s as much about inner resilience as it is about outer space.
With its combination of science, suspense, and heart, Project Hail Mary is poised to become a major 2026 cinematic event—one that explores what it really means to survive, connect, and fight for a planet you can’t even see anymore.