Project Hail Mary Trailer: Ryan Gosling’s Sci-Fi Epic Promises a Cosmic Adventure

The Project Hail Mary trailer dropped on June 30, 2025, from Amazon MGM Studios, igniting excitement for Ryan Gosling’s upcoming sci-fi thriller, set to hit theaters on March 20, 2026.

Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, this adaptation of Andy Weir’s bestselling novel showcases Gosling as a reluctant astronaut tasked with saving Earth from a solar catastrophe. With stunning visuals and a gripping narrative teased in the nearly three-minute Project Hail Mary trailer, fans are buzzing on X and beyond.

Here’s a detailed breakdown and analysis of the trailer, packed with everything you need to know about this cosmic journey.

What Does the Project Hail Mary Trailer Reveal?

The Project Hail Mary trailer opens with Ryan Gosling’s character, Ryland Grace, waking up on a spaceship 11.9 light-years from Earth, sporting a scruffy beard and no memory of his mission.

Through flashbacks, we learn Grace is a former school teacher with a doctorate in molecular biology, reluctantly recruited for a high-stakes mission. The trailer, shared by @AmazonMGMStudios, reveals Earth’s sun is dimming due to a mysterious substance, threatening all life.

Grace must use his scientific expertise to reverse the crisis, but he’s not alone—an alien named Rocky, described as “the most lovable since E.T.,” joins him in an unexpected alliance.

Clocking in at nearly three minutes, the trailer blends humor, suspense, and awe-inspiring visuals, filmed for IMAX. Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times” sets an emotional tone as Grace quips, “I put the ‘not’ in astronaut,” highlighting his unpreparedness. Posts on X, like @IGN’s, praise the trailer’s epic scope, calling it a “must-see” for sci-fi fans.

Who Stars in Project Hail Mary?

Ryan Gosling leads as Ryland Grace, bringing his signature charm and depth, fresh off Barbie and The Fall Guy. Sandra Hüller, Oscar-nominated for Anatomy of a Fall, plays a key role, likely a government handler urging Grace to undertake the mission.

Milana Vayntrub, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, and others round out the cast, with details on their roles still under wraps. The trailer teases Hüller’s dire warning: “The sun is not the only star dying,” setting a high-stakes tone.

Gosling’s prior astronaut role in First Man adds authenticity, while his comedic timing shines in lines like, “I can’t even moonwalk.” Fans on X, including @Polygon, note Gosling’s ability to balance humor and gravitas, making him perfect for Grace’s nerdy yet heroic arc.

What Is the Plot of Project Hail Mary?

Based on Andy Weir’s 2021 novel, Project Hail Mary follows Ryland Grace, a science teacher turned astronaut who wakes up alone on the spaceship Hail Mary with amnesia.

As his memories return, he realizes he’s the sole survivor of a mission to the Tau Ceti system to investigate a substance dimming the sun.

The trailer hints at Grace’s reliance on scientific ingenuity and an unlikely friendship with Rocky, an alien also fighting to save his planet from the same crisis.

The Project Hail Mary trailer emphasizes the story’s blend of hard science and emotional depth, akin to Weir’s The Martian. X users like @therealsupes compare it to “Interstellar meets E.T.,” suggesting a mix of cosmic stakes and heartfelt connection.

The trailer avoids major spoilers but teases complex problem-solving and a visually spectacular journey.

Who Directed Project Hail Mary?

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, known for The Lego Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, direct Project Hail Mary, marking their first live-action film since 2014’s 22 Jump Street.

Their knack for blending humor and heart is evident in the trailer’s tone. Drew Goddard, who adapted Weir’s The Martian, wrote the screenplay, ensuring fidelity to the novel’s scientific rigor.

At CinemaCon 2025, Gosling praised the directors’ ambitious vision, joking the film’s scope “wouldn’t fit on a TV.” The trailer’s polished visuals, shot by Oscar-winning cinematographer Greig Fraser (Dune), reflect Lord and Miller’s big-screen commitment. X posts from @SeanFennessey call it a “movie movie,” a rare theatrical spectacle.

When and Where Will Project Hail Mary Release?

Project Hail Mary is slated for a theatrical release on March 20, 2026, distributed by Amazon MGM Studios through Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. Filmed for IMAX, the film promises a cinematic experience, as emphasized by Gosling at CinemaCon.

Principal photography began June 3, 2024, in the UK and wrapped on October 26, 2024, keeping the project on track.

Amazon MGM’s early trailer release, nine months ahead, signals confidence in the film’s buzz, with X users like @GMA amplifying its reach. The studio’s 2026 slate includes 14 theatrical releases, positioning Project Hail Mary as a flagship title.

Why Is the Project Hail Mary Trailer Generating Buzz?

The Project Hail Mary trailer has sparked widespread excitement due to its star power, high production values, and Weir’s proven track record. Fans of The Martian are thrilled, with screenwriter Drew Goddard teasing, “If you like The Martian, you’ll love what we’re cooking up.”

The trailer’s mix of humor, science, and first-contact themes resonates, with @latimes noting Gosling’s reluctant hero vibe as a highlight. X posts reflect strong sentiment, with @lonseidman calling it a “winner” for Weir fans.

The trailer’s vibrant visuals and Gosling’s nerdy charm have fueled comparisons to The Martian and Interstellar, making it a top-anticipated film for 2026.

Highlights of Project Hail Mary:

• Release Date: March 20, 2026, in theaters and IMAX.

• Lead Star: Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace.

• Supporting Cast: Sandra Hüller, Milana Vayntrub, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung.

• Directors: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

• Screenwriter: Drew Goddard, adapting Andy Weir’s novel.

• Genre: Sci-fi thriller with comedy and first-contact themes.

• Filming: Shot in the UK, June 3 to October 26, 2024.

• Producers: Gosling, Lord, Miller, Amy Pascal, Andy Weir, and more.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Project Hail Mary trailer has set the stage for a sci-fi spectacle, blending Ryan Gosling’s star power with Andy Weir’s cerebral storytelling.

With Phil Lord and Christopher Miller at the helm, this IMAX-bound adventure promises to captivate audiences on March 20, 2026.

Whether you’re a fan of The Martian or crave a fresh take on first-contact tales, Project Hail Mary is shaping up as a must-watch.

Join the conversation on X and mark your calendars for this cosmic ride.