Variety • 2/25/2026

‘Project Hail Mary,’ directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, is an adaptation of Andy Weir's bestselling hard sci-fi book. The film is set to hit theaters on March 20. Early reactions from film press members have been released, highlighting Ryan Gosling's performance as a “shining star” in the movie. Critics have described the film as a “must-see space odyssey,” indicating a strong positive reception ahead of its official release. The first reactions suggest that ‘Project Hail Mary’ could be a significant contender during the upcoming awards season, with some suggesting it may emerge as a “major awards player” at the Oscars next year. The film combines elements of sci-fi and comedy, which may appeal to a broad audience. Film critic Eric Marchen shared particularly glowing feedback, contributing to the overall excitement surrounding the film. As anticipation builds for its release, the film's unique premise and the creative team behind it have generated considerable buzz within the industry. The combination of Gosling's star power and the directors' previous successes adds to the expectations for the film's performance both critically and commercially. Overall, early impressions indicate that ‘Project Hail Mary’ is poised to make a significant impact upon its debut.
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