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Record-breaking opening for sci-fi adventure
Project Hail Mary, Ryan Gosling's latest film, has claimed the year's biggest box office launch, grossing $140.9 million (£122 million) worldwide. The sci-fi thriller surpassed Scream 7 as the highest-grossing release of 2026 so far and set a new benchmark for Amazon MGM Studios, outpacing Creed III in its opening weekend.
Plot and production details
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller-known for 21 Jump Street and The Lego Movie-the film adapts Andy Weir's bestselling novel. Weir previously authored The Martian, which inspired Ridley Scott's 2015 Oscar-nominated film starring Matt Damon. Project Hail Mary follows a former molecular biologist turned science teacher who is thrust into an interstellar mission to prevent humanity's extinction.
Studio and star power
Kevin Wilson, Amazon MGM's distribution chief, praised the film's foundation in Weir's novel and the directors' ability to craft a "visually stunning, heart-gripping" experience. He highlighted Gosling's global appeal, calling him a "singular star" capable of anchoring such a high-stakes narrative.
Gosling, who also produced the $200 million project, told the BBC the film's humor was a key draw. "I wanted to create an environment where these elements could coexist," he said, emphasizing the balance between tension and levity in the story.
Critical reception and industry impact
The film ranks as the third-largest non-sequel, non-franchise release to exceed $50 million overseas since the pandemic, trailing only Oppenheimer and F1: The Movie. Critics offered mixed reviews: BBC Culture called it "zippily entertaining" and "mind-stretching," while Empire described it as "witty, wise, and preposterously entertaining." However, Variety criticized it as "generic" and "derivative of films like Interstellar," and The Guardian noted occasional "dullness" but praised Gosling's "effortlessly charming" performance.
Amazon MGM's growing influence
Five years after acquiring MGM for £8.45 billion, Amazon appears to have secured its first major commercial hit, positioning itself competitively against other streaming giants. The studio's recent slate includes Melania, a biopic about the former U.S. First Lady, and the R-rated thriller Crime 101. Masters of the Universe, another high-profile release, is slated for June.
