Port Huron Yarn Maker Sees Boom After 'Project Hail Mary' Sweater Cameo

Mary Maxim's fox-themed cardigan worn by Ryan Gosling in the new sci-fi film has driven a surge in online orders.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:10pm

A photorealistic studio still-life image featuring a warm, autumnal-colored handmade cardigan sweater with a fox design, elegantly arranged on a clean, monochromatic background and dramatically lit to highlight the premium quality and unexpected popularity of this specialty product.A cozy, handcrafted cardigan sweater from a small Michigan business becomes an unexpected Hollywood star, driving a surge of online orders.Port Huron Today

A Michigan-based yarn and crafts company, Mary Maxim, is experiencing a major business boom after one of its signature designs - a cozy, fox-themed cardigan sweater - was featured in the new sci-fi blockbuster film "Project Hail Mary" starring Ryan Gosling. The company's headquarters is located in Port Huron, and the unexpected exposure from the movie has led to a surge of online orders and renewed interest in the brand.

Why it matters

For a small, regional business like Mary Maxim, having one of its products prominently featured in a major Hollywood film can provide a huge boost in visibility and sales. The "Project Hail Mary" sweater cameo highlights how pop culture trends and influencer marketing can unexpectedly drive consumer demand, especially for niche or specialty products.

The details

In the film, Ryan Gosling's character is seen wearing the distinctive zip-up cardigan with a fox design. Mary Maxim's CEO said the exposure has been "overwhelmingly successful," leading to a spike in online orders for the sweater from fans and moviegoers. The company typically focuses on selling yarn, knitting kits, and other craft supplies, but this unexpected Hollywood spotlight has drawn new attention to its apparel line.

  • The new sci-fi film "Project Hail Mary" starring Ryan Gosling was released on April 14, 2026.
  • Mary Maxim's fox-themed cardigan sweater was prominently featured in a key scene of the film.

The players

Mary Maxim

A yarn and crafts company headquartered in Port Huron, Michigan that specializes in selling yarn, knitting kits, and other supplies for DIY projects.

Ryan Gosling

The lead actor in the new sci-fi film "Project Hail Mary" who wore a distinctive fox-themed cardigan sweater made by Mary Maxim.

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What they’re saying

“It's been overwhelmingly successful.”

— Mary Maxim CEO

What’s next

Mary Maxim plans to capitalize on the renewed interest in its apparel line by launching a limited-edition "Project Hail Mary" sweater collection in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This unexpected Hollywood cameo for a small Michigan business highlights how even niche brands can see major boosts from pop culture exposure. Mary Maxim's experience shows the power of influencer marketing and the ability for specialty products to find breakout success.