Critics Praise 'Project Hail Mary' as Sci-Fi Epic

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller's adaptation of Andy Weir's novel is a 'soaring interplanetary buddy movie,' say reviewers.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 1:57pm

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Critics are overwhelmingly positive about 'Project Hail Mary,' the new sci-fi film directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and starring Ryan Gosling. Based on Andy Weir's novel, the movie is being hailed as a genre classic that blends hard science fiction with heart and humor. Early reviews praise the film's visual spectacle, Gosling's performance, and the breakout role of the character 'Rocky,' played by theater artist James Ortiz.

Why it matters

As an adaptation of Weir's acclaimed novel, 'Project Hail Mary' continues the trend of bringing the author's hard sci-fi works to the big screen following the success of 'The Martian.' The film also marks Lord and Miller's return to directing after a 12-year hiatus, and represents a major sci-fi release for Amazon MGM Studios.

The details

Starring Ryan Gosling, 'Project Hail Mary' follows a scientist-turned-astronaut who teams up with a surprising alien collaborator, nicknamed 'Rocky,' to save humanity. The film features a script by Drew Goddard, who also adapted Weir's 'The Martian' for Ridley Scott's 2015 film. Critics praise the movie's emphasis on practical effects and in-camera visuals over heavy reliance on green screen, as well as Gosling's charismatic performance that anchors the film's emotional core.

  • Project Hail Mary hits theaters on March 20, 2026.

The players

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

The directing duo behind 'Project Hail Mary,' known for their work on films like 'The Lego Movie' and 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.'

Ryan Gosling

The acclaimed actor who stars as the lead in 'Project Hail Mary.'

Andy Weir

The author whose novel 'Project Hail Mary' is based on, following the success of his previous book 'The Martian.'

Drew Goddard

The screenwriter who adapted 'Project Hail Mary' and also wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation of Weir's 'The Martian.'

James Ortiz

The theater artist who plays the breakout role of 'Rocky' in 'Project Hail Mary.'

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What they’re saying

“What's most gratifying is the extent to which the filmmakers sought practical solutions and physical sets rather than relying solely on the digital toolbox or flattening the action with endless green-screen sequences. The emphasis on in-camera effects makes a massive difference to the wraparound feel of the experience.”

— David Rooney, Critic

“Lord and Miller knew what they were doing when they went for such a bright and breezy tone. They've crafted a sci-fi epic which is more than two-and-a-half hours long, and which is a one-man show for much of that time. They have filled it not with action, but with mind-stretching concepts, painstaking laboratory research and knotty technical puzzles. To do all that and keep things zippily entertaining throughout is an extraordinary achievement.”

— Nicholas Barber, Critic

“Combining the best parts of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Arrival, The Martian, and Interstellar, the magnificent Project Hail Mary is not only likely to be 2026's best sci-fi movie, but it's immediately one of the best sci-fi movies ever.”

— Ethan Anderton, Critic

What’s next

The film is set to hit theaters on March 20, 2026, and early reviews suggest it could be a major critical and commercial success for Amazon MGM Studios.

The takeaway

With its blend of hard science fiction, emotional storytelling, and visual spectacle, 'Project Hail Mary' appears poised to continue the trend of acclaimed adaptations of Andy Weir's novels, while also marking a triumphant return to directing for Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.