Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller screened about 30 minutes of footage from their upcoming sci-fi film Project Hail Mary for journalists in Los Angeles. The event highlighted the movie's themes of collaboration and optimism, featuring Ryan Gosling as astronaut Ryland Grace and an alien character named Rocky. The final trailer debuted during the 2026 Super Bowl before Bad Bunny's halftime show.
At a special event in Los Angeles last week, io9 joined other journalists to view approximately 30 minutes of footage from Project Hail Mary, directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller. The screening included nine scenes spanning the film's narrative, based on Andy Weir's novel, and showcased the story's blend of science, humor, and emotion.
The footage opened with Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling, awakening from an induced coma in space with amnesia. Subsequent scenes depicted his transformation from a middle school teacher to astronaut, incorporating Weir's signature scientific elements. Key moments focused on Grace's developing relationship with Rocky, an alien from a rocky planet voiced by James Ortiz through puppetry and CGI.
Directors emphasized the film's core message. "It’s a movie and a book about collaboration and cooperation and what was possible if we work together," Chris Miller said. Their friendship drives the plot, with scenes showing initial communication via models, trust-building decisions, and later humorous interactions as Rocky explores Grace's ship in a protective bubble.
Technical details include space sequences filmed in 1.43:1 IMAX aspect ratio, comprising three-quarters of the runtime, while Earth flashbacks use 2.39:1. Lord noted the on-set chemistry: "The two guys have amazing chemistry, and there’s a spontaneity that happens when they’re together." A climactic scene hinted at emotional depth, with Miller adding, "The whole movie is a very emotional experience."
The trailer premiered just before Bad Bunny's 2026 Super Bowl halftime performance, building anticipation for the Amazon MGM release on March 20, 2026. Lord and Miller described the film as a genre-defying mix of thriller, drama, comedy, and sci-fi, centered on successful partnerships.
