The hype is real. Just like what happened in the film, Project Hail Mary is defying the odds at the Philippines box office. Meanwhile, Filipino audiences were also on board for another round of 'Ready or Not'.
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| (C) Columbia Pictures |
In a rare sight in the country, Project Hail Mary grossed higher in its second week—11 percent, to be exact—making over $538K (est. ₱32 million) versus last week’s $458K (est. ₱29 million). Outside of the Metro Manila Film Festival, only a handful of films have been able to do this here—think of A Quiet Place (+90%) or Heneral Luna (up 3.3%, then followed by a 200% jump). Clearly, it’s a sign that the buzz is strong and Filipinos are ready to join the hype. In two weeks, it has now made around $1.2 million (est. ₱72 million).
The sci-fi adventure starring Ryan Gosling is also now narrowing its gap with comps such as The Martian and Interstellar, both of which also accumulated $1.2 million in two weeks. In PH rates, interestingly, the film has already surpassed both films—a clear showcase of how the peso has weakened this decade.
Given its amazing increase this week (The Martian fell 57% in its second week, while Interstellar dropped more modestly at 13%), it’s on track to surpass the two in U.S. rates, likely next month.
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| (C) 20th Century Studios |
In second place, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come did put up a fight against Project Hail Mary, and it was a close one. The Samara Weaving-led sequel opened to a strong $500K (est. ₱30 million) in the country. That’s the highest opening for a Hollywood horror movie here since The Conjuring: Last Rites broke records back in September 2025. In U.S. rates, it is also 42 percent higher than the opening of its predecessor ($351,846) back in 2019.
Again, the country has always been a boon for horror titles. Filipinos show up for good horror, and Here I Come is further proof. This bodes well for upcoming local horror films such as Huwag Kang Titingin and Rosario—particularly if the horror crowd backs them as well.
Article to be updated once more box office figures are released.
