Ryan Gosling-starring sci-fi film Project Hail Mary opened to $140.9 million worldwide, including $80.5 million in North America and $60.4 million internationally from 82 markets. The debut marks Amazon MGM Studios' biggest opening and the largest for a non-franchise film this year. Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller revealed a surprise uncredited voice cameo by Meryl Streep.
Project Hail Mary, directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller and adapted from Andy Weir's best-selling novel, follows a school teacher-turned-astronaut, played by Ryan Gosling as Dr. Ryland Grace, who wakes up on a spaceship with amnesia and befriends an alien named Rocky. The $200 million production released in theaters on March 20, 2026, to positive reviews and audience reactions, earning a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and an A CinemaScore grade. It outperformed projections, surpassing Scream 7's $97.2 million global debut and setting records for Amazon MGM, ahead of Creed III's $100.4 million worldwide opening. Imax screens contributed $27.6 million to $30.3 million globally, with strong performances in the UK ($10.2 million), China ($7.1 million), Australia ($5 million) and South Korea ($4.3 million). It opened at number one in over 60 markets. Amazon MGM distribution chief Kevin Wilson stated, “Andy Weir’s beloved novel gave us a powerful foundation, and Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have created a visually stunning, heart-gripping film led by the brilliant Ryan Gosling.” Imax CEO Rich Gelfond added, “Project Hail Mary is an excellent film for which Amazon MGM ran a brilliant campaign, leaning heavily on the power of Imax.” In a surprise reveal, the film features Meryl Streep voicing one of the pre-selected options in the computer-operated translation system used to communicate with Rocky, who emits musical vibrations. Miller told Entertainment Weekly, “Wouldn’t it be fun to get Meryl Streep? And Ryan just said, ‘She can do anything.’” The directors reached out via producer Amy Pascal, and Streep recorded multiple playful versions for the uncredited cameo. Rocky is voiced by puppeteer James Ortiz. The success provides a boost for Amazon MGM's 2026 theatrical slate after earlier underperformers.
