"The first great blockbuster of 2026” - 'Project Hail Mary' first reactions are now out

An early screening of sci-fi movie Project Hail Mary has garnered praise from press and critics, calling the film “imagination unleashed.” Project Hail Mary is the film adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel of the same name.  Christopher Miller and Phil Lord co-helm the project as producer and director.

(C) Columbia Pictures

The film stars Ryan Gosling as science teacher Ryland Grace, who wakes up onboard a spacecraft with no memory of his past or how he ended up in space. As he gets his bearings, he deduces that he is on a last-ditch effort to save humanity and the earth from destruction. Project Hail Mary also stars Sandra Hüller, Milana Vayntrub, Ken Leung, Liz Kingsman and James Ortiz.

Journalist Liam Crowley got emotional during the early screening of Project Hail Mary, posting, “#ProjectHailMary is perfect. Imagination unleashed even better than I pictured it on the page. How Gosling captivates throughout a largely one-man show is beyond me - your earliest Best Actor contender. & my sweet prince Rocky… tears flowed all third act. What a beautiful display of companionship. Heartwarming. Heartbreaking. And genuinely funny! An absolute must-see theatrical experience. “

Variety Editor Jazz Tangcay also praises Gosling’s performance in the film. “#ProjectHailMary is masterful and so beautifully done. A truly heartwarming story of humanity and friendship. A superb performance from Ryan Gosling - a career best. Greig Fraser’s cinematography is exquisite to perfection,” she writes.

Writer Kevin Verma posted on X, talking about the IMAX-worthy visuals of the film. “#ProjectHailMary absolutely floored me. Lord and Miller deliver a space odyssey that is deeply human and heartwarming. Ryan Gosling is fantastic here and brings emotion and charm to this SciFi epic. Incredible visuals and a pulsing score. You wanna see this one in @IMAX”

Gizmodo Senior Reporter Germain Lussier also had only praise for the film, writing, “#ProjectHailMary is pure joy. Hilarious, heartfelt, hugely moving, wildly exciting and absolutely beautiful. The 160 minutes go by in an instant as Lord and Miller keep Weir’s narrative moving like a rocket ship. Gosling is better than ever and the Rocky effect and mind blowing.”

Get ready for lift-off as Project Hail Mary sets off in Philippine cinemas on March 18.