Ryan Gosling is heading back to space and this time, the fate of Earth is on the line. Project Hail Mary, the highly anticipated adaptation of Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, is set to premiere in theaters on March 20, 2026, and will eventually stream on Prime Video following its exclusive theatrical run.
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (The LEGO Movie, Spider-Verse producers) and written by Drew Goddard (The Martian), the film tells the story of Ryland Grace, a former science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory and one simple mission.
He needs to stop the extinction of humanity.
The trailer is here. The hype is real. Here’s all you need to know about this epic book turned upcoming movie.
What Is Project Hail Mary About?
Based on Weir’s 2021 novel, the story follows Grace (Gosling) as he awakens alone aboard the Hail Mary, drifting through deep space, with no clue why he’s there. Slowly regaining his memory, Grace discovers he was humanity’s last-ditch hope to stop a mysterious substance called “Astrophage” that’s draining energy from the Sun. His journey to the distant Tau Ceti system turns into an unexpected first contact with an alien life form, forming a friendship that may save both their planets.
The novel Project Hail Mary, written by The Martian author Andy Weir, was a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its blend of hard science and heart. It became a bestseller, was nominated for a Hugo Award, and even landed on the reading lists of Barack Obama and Bill Gates. Known for its clever structure and emotional core, the book balances high-stakes problem-solving with an unexpected and deeply moving first contact storyline.
In typical Andy Weir fashion, the story mixes hard science with heart. Picture The Martian, but with a buddy-alien twist. The film also stars Sandra Hüller, Milana Vayntrub, and Ken Leung.
What’s in the Trailer?
The trailer opens with a bearded Gosling jolting awake in zero gravity, disoriented and alone. We hear Hüller’s voice warning, “The sun is not the only star dying,” as glimpses of Earth’s crisis unfold. Through flashbacks, we learn how the reluctant Grace was recruited for a mission no one expected him to survive. Just as the trailer leans into isolation, it offers a tantalizing glimpse of the alien ship and a new companion named Rocky – a spider-like extraterrestrial.
Will Project Hail Mary Stream on Prime Video?
Yes…but not right away. Like other Amazon MGM Studios releases, Project Hail Mary will have a theatrical-exclusive release beginning March 20, 2026. It will stream on Prime Video after its run in theaters, likely a few months later.
Whether you’re a fan of Andy Weir’s science-driven storytelling or just looking for a sci-fi adventure with heart, Project Hail Mary is shaping up to be one of 2026’s must-watch releases. Keep an eye on theaters this March and if you miss liftoff, you won’t have to wait too long to stream it from home.