Amazon MGM Studios has just dropped the first trailer for Project Hail Mary, the highly anticipated sci-fi film starring Ryan Gosling, set to hit theaters on March 20, 2026.
Directed by the dynamic duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (The LEGO Movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), this adaptation of Andy Weir’s bestselling 2021 novel promises a blend of heart-pounding drama, sharp humor, and mind-bending science.
The trailer introduces us to Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), a middle school science teacher who’s about as far from an astronaut as you can get. “I put the ‘not’ in astronaut. I can’t even moonwalk,” he quips, showcasing Gosling’s signature charm. But when a mysterious substance starts dimming the sun—along with countless other stars—threatening life on Earth, Grace is thrust into an impossible mission. Waking up from a coma on a spaceship 11.9 light-years from home, with no memory of who he is or why he’s there, Grace must rely on his scientific know-how and sheer ingenuity to save humanity.
The trailer, set to the haunting strains of Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times,” captures Grace’s disorientation and determination. We see him grappling with his predicament—sporting a scruffy beard and long hair, a far cry from his clean-cut Barbie days—while piecing together his mission to reverse the solar catastrophe. Flashbacks reveal Sandra Hüller’s commanding Eva Stratt, a European Space Agency official who recruits the reluctant Grace, believing his background in molecular biology holds the key to solving this galactic mystery.
What sets Project Hail Mary apart from other sci-fi epics, like Weir’s own The Martian, is its unexpected heart. The trailer teases a surprise encounter with a mysterious alien, hinted at through fleeting glimpses of a five-legged, spider-like creature named Rocky. This extraterrestrial ally, described as “equal parts Chewbacca and Mr. Spock,” transforms Grace’s solo mission into a high-stakes buddy adventure. “So I met an alien,” Gosling’s Grace deadpans. “He’s kind of growing on me. At least he’s not growing in me. Which was a concern for a little while.” The trailer strikes a perfect balance between humor and awe, hinting at a unique relationship that could make this film as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling.
Shot by Oscar-winning cinematographer Greig Fraser (Dune), Project Hail Mary promises stunning visuals that demand the big screen. The trailer showcases breathtaking shots of space, from dazzling constellations to the sleek, high-tech interior of the Hail Mary spaceship. Gosling himself emphasized the film’s grandeur at CinemaCon, joking, “We tried to put it on a TV once. It didn’t fit.” Directed by Lord and Miller, known for their ability to blend humor, heart, and spectacle, the film looks poised to deliver a fresh take on the sci-fi genre, with a script by Drew Goddard (The Martian, Cloverfield).
The star-studded cast also includes Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall), Milana Vayntrub, Lionel Boyce, and Ken Leung, adding depth to the story. The trailer hints at Hüller’s intense performance as she warns, “The sun is not the only star dying,” setting the stage for a race against time.
If the trailer is any indication, Project Hail Mary is more than just another space odyssey. It’s a story about human resilience, unlikely friendships, and the power of science to overcome impossible odds. Fans of Andy Weir’s novel will be thrilled to see beloved elements, like the character of Rocky, brought to life, while newcomers will be drawn in by the trailer’s infectious energy and Gosling’s magnetic performance. Posts on X are already buzzing with excitement, with fans praising the trailer’s mix of humor, drama, and awe-inspiring visuals.
Mark your calendars for March 20, 2026, and prepare to blast off with Project Hail Mary. Whether you’re a sci-fi nerd or just love a good story, this trailer proves that Gosling, Lord, and Miller are cooking up something truly special. Check out the trailer below and let us know what you think—will you be joining Ryland Grace on this cosmic journey?
