Project Hail Mary Early Reactions
Project Hail Mary Early Reactions (Photo Credit: Instagram)

Ryan Gosling’s sci-fi thriller Project Hail Mary is gearing up for its big-screen debut on March 20, 2026. Early industry projections indicate that the Amazon MGM venture could open strong domestically, with estimates in the $60-70 million range. If the film hits that mark, it may become the first $50 million+ opener of 2026.

While the final box office outcome remains to be seen, the Phil Lord and Christopher Miller-directed film is already generating strong buzz as early reviews pour in. Here’s what viewers (members of the film press) are saying about the big-screen adaptation of Andy Weir’s Hugo Award-winning 2021 novel of the same name.

Project Hail Mary – Early Reactions

Drew Taylor, a senior writer at The Wrap, gave the film a highly positive review. He said the film is “profoundly moving” and “insanely entertaining.” He added that, having read Andy Weir’s novel, fans of the book won’t be disappointed.

Tomatometer-certified critic Anthony Gagliardi also praised the film, calling it a “thrilling masterpiece” with terrific performances and stunning visuals.

“Lord and Miller craft a BREATHTAKING SPACE EPIC filled with heart, emotion, and connection. Powered by phenomenal performances, extraordinary visuals, and scene-stealing Rocky. IMAX never looked so good. An unforgettable cinematic experience,” he added.

Another critic opined that Project Hail Mary is a visually immersive sci-fi masterpiece that blends Ridley Scott’s The Martian and Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar. He further called it an absolute must-watch.

Industry observer Joseph Deckelmeier remarked, “Just saw #ProjectHailMary & I can’t stop thinking about it. Fastest 2h30m I’ve spent in a theater, completely locked in start to finish. For a movie about a rock alien, it’s deeply human, emotional, & packed with universal themes. Absolutely incredible.”

Meanwhile, another early viewer said that the film is faithful to Andy Weir’s source material and praised Ryan Gosling, who is perfectly cast as the protagonist Ryland Grace.

An editor/writer from Slash Film went even further, calling it “easily one of the best sci-fi movies of the 21st century.”

Another early reviewer thought that the film is more of a buddy comedy than a space epic, also hinting at an alien character he cared about a lot. Although he enjoyed watching Project Hail Mary, he still prefers Ridley Scott and Matt Damon’s The Martian for a Peter Weir adaptation.

Bottom Line

Based on early reactions, Project Hail Mary appears to have serious blockbuster potential. Initial feedback suggests that the epic thriller is one of the best sci-fi films in recent times, with immense praise for its breathtaking visuals, Ryan Gosling’s performance, and cinematography, among other aspects of filmmaking.

Overall, the early reviews that we have checked on X seem overwhelmingly positive. That being said, it remains to be seen whether the audience shares the critics’ views. The verdict will be out next month.

Project Hail Mary Plot

Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film follows Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), a schoolteacher who wakes up alone on an interstellar spacecraft with no memory of how he got there. As his memories gradually return, he remembers that he has been sent on a high-stakes mission to stop a mysterious phenomenon that is draining the Sun’s energy and threatening life on Earth.

Project Hail Mary – Official Trailer

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