Project Hail Mary Extends Theatrical Run After CinemaCon Appearance

Ryan Gosling thanks theater owners for helping deliver the sci-fi film to audiences worldwide.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:04am

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering, glittering film reel texture bathed in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting, conveying the glamour and technical craft of the movie industry.The dazzling textures of film reels and studio lighting capture the technical artistry behind the sci-fi blockbuster Project Hail Mary.Los Angeles Today

Amazon MGM Studios is keeping the sci-fi film Project Hail Mary in theaters longer after the movie crossed $525 million in global box office. During CinemaCon, star Ryan Gosling joined directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller on stage to celebrate the film's success and thank theater owners directly for their role in distributing the movie to audiences around the world.

Why it matters

The extended theatrical window for Project Hail Mary is a positive sign for the movie industry, showing that audiences are still eager to see big-budget sci-fi films on the big screen. Gosling's public appreciation for theater owners also highlights the crucial role that exhibitors play in the success of major releases.

The details

At CinemaCon, Gosling took the stage with Lord and Miller to spotlight the impact that theaters had on Project Hail Mary's performance. Gosling thanked exhibitors in cities around the world, and even handed out flowers to audience members as a gesture of gratitude. The film's $525 million global box office gross has given Amazon even more reason to keep it in theaters for longer before releasing it on other platforms.

  • Project Hail Mary was released in theaters on April 7, 2026.
  • The film crossed the $525 million worldwide box office mark in the weeks following its release.
  • Gosling, Lord, and Miller appeared at CinemaCon on April 16, 2026 to celebrate the film's success.

The players

Ryan Gosling

The lead actor of Project Hail Mary, who portrayed the film's protagonist Ryland Grace.

Phil Lord

One of the directors of Project Hail Mary, known for films like the Spider-Verse movies and The LEGO Movie.

Christopher Miller

The other director of Project Hail Mary, who has collaborated with Phil Lord on numerous projects.

Amazon MGM Studios

The production and distribution company behind Project Hail Mary, which has decided to extend the film's exclusive theatrical window.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

Project Hail Mary's strong box office performance and the positive reception from theater owners at CinemaCon demonstrate the continued appeal of big-screen sci-fi spectacles. Amazon's decision to extend the film's theatrical window is a vote of confidence in the power of the theatrical experience to drive engagement and revenue for major releases.