Critics Hail Ryan Gosling's 'Project Hail Mary' as Sci-Fi Epic

New film compared to iconic 'Interstellar' and praised as one of the best space adventure movies ever

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Ryan Gosling's upcoming sci-fi film 'Project Hail Mary' is receiving rave reviews from critics, who are comparing it to the 2014 hit 'Interstellar' and calling it one of the greatest space adventure movies of all time. Based on the novel by Andy Weir, the film follows Gosling as an astronaut on a mission to save Earth from a solar-dimming microorganism. Early screenings have generated significant buzz, with praise for Gosling's performance and the film's visuals, heart, and ambition.

Why it matters

As one of the most anticipated sci-fi films of the year, 'Project Hail Mary' has the potential to reignite audience enthusiasm for going to the movies, especially after the pandemic disruptions. The comparisons to the acclaimed 'Interstellar' suggest the film could become a new sci-fi classic and further cement Ryan Gosling's status as a leading man in the genre.

The details

Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, 'Project Hail Mary' is based on Andy Weir's 2021 novel of the same name. The film follows Gosling as Dr. Ryland Grace, a former teacher who becomes an astronaut on a one-way mission to save Earth from a solar-dimming microorganism called 'Astrophage.' The movie also stars Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Milana Vayntrub, James Ortiz, and Priya Kansara.

  • Project Hail Mary is set to be released in theaters on March 20, 2026.
  • Early screenings of the film are happening in Los Angeles and New York City this week for the press.

The players

Project Hail Mary

An upcoming sci-fi film based on the novel of the same name by Andy Weir, following an astronaut on a mission to save Earth from a solar-dimming microorganism.

Ryan Gosling

The lead actor in Project Hail Mary, playing the role of Dr. Ryland Grace, a former teacher turned astronaut.

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

The directors and producers of Project Hail Mary.

Interstellar

A 2014 sci-fi film directed by Christopher Nolan, which is widely considered one of the best sci-fi films of the 21st century.

Andy Weir

The author of the novel 'Project Hail Mary,' which was published in 2021 and won the Goodreads Choice Award for Science Fiction that year.

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What they’re saying

“Project Hail Mary is one of the greatest space adventure films of all time. It's gorgeous, full of heart and Gosling is spectacular. He gave his all to this one and you'll be in awe.”

— Patrick Tomasso, Film critic and content creator (X)

“Project Hail Mary 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.”

— Variety Senior Editor (X)

“Project Hail Mary 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.”

— Kevin Verma, Journalist (X)

“Project Hail Mary is more comedic than the wonky Andy Weir book-- it's Lord & Miller and Ryan Gosling after all-- but it's a hugely ambitious and satisfying space adventure which lets you revel in human -- and alien-- ingenuity. And Sandra Huller always rocks!”

— Anna Thompson, IndieWire Senior-Editor-at-Large (X)

“PROJECT HAIL MARY has one of the best third acts I've ever seen. I was on the verge of tears for the last 40 minutes.”

— Brandon Norwood, Freelance film critic (X)

What’s next

Project Hail Mary is set to be released in theaters nationwide on March 20, 2026.

The takeaway

With early praise comparing it to the acclaimed Interstellar and calling it one of the greatest space adventure films ever, Project Hail Mary has the potential to reignite audience enthusiasm for going to the movies and cement Ryan Gosling's status as a leading man in the sci-fi genre.