Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s ‘Project Hail Mary’ Soars with Ryan Gosling’s Performance
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s Project Hail Mary, at its core, is the story of a man who wakes up alone in space and must befriend an unlikely ally. It’s also being lauded as one of the most enjoyable and uplifting films of recent years, imbued with optimism and levity. The film stars Ryan Gosling, whose performance is being hailed as a career milestone.
From ‘22 Jump Street’ to the Stars
Project Hail Mary marks Lord and Miller’s first directorial effort since 2014’s 22 Jump Street. Despite their busy years producing and writing projects like the Lego movies and the Spider-Verse saga, they returned to directing with this science fiction adventure. Notably, they were previously attached to direct Solo: A Star Wars Story before being replaced by Ron Howard. [1]
A Story of Friendship and Survival
The film follows Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling, who awakens on an interstellar spacecraft with amnesia. He discovers he is the sole survivor of a mission light years from Earth. [1] The story unfolds on the Hail Mary spacecraft, intercut with flashbacks revealing how Grace came to be in this situation.
Behind the Scenes: Collaboration and Creativity
During a conversation with Rolling Stone, Lord and Miller discussed Gosling’s performance, comparing him to Warren Beatty. They also highlighted Sandra Hüller’s impromptu karaoke scene, which came together in just 36 hours. The directors emphasized their collaborative approach, valuing spontaneity and allowing their team to contribute ideas.
Gosling’s Stellar Performance
The directors praised Gosling’s ability to carry the film, noting his range and control over his craft. They likened his dedication to actors like Channing Tatum, who bring physicality and creativity to their roles. Gosling’s commitment to the character extended to incorporating details and ideas into every scene.
The Unexpected Charm of Rocky
The film features a unique character, Rocky, a non-traditional alien companion. Lord and Miller explained that the puppet-based character was crucial for providing Gosling with a scene partner, allowing for genuine reactions and a believable relationship. The creation of Rocky involved a blend of puppetry and animation, with approximately 50% of the character being realized through each technique.
Box Office and Release Information
Project Hail Mary premiered in London on March 9, 2026 and was released in the United States by Amazon MGM Studios on March 20, 2026. [1] As of March 20, 2026, the film has grossed $12 million. [1] The film has a runtime of 156 minutes and a budget of $190–200 million. [1]
Cast and Crew
The film stars Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, James Ortiz, and Lionel Boyce. It was directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, with a screenplay by Drew Goddard, based on the 2021 novel by Andy Weir. The production companies involved include Pascal Pictures, Open Invite Films, Waypoint Entertainment, and Lord Miller Productions. [1]