Updated box office projections place Phil Lord and Chris Miller's Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling, on track for a $77 million-plus opening weekend, surpassing initial estimates of $71 million. Variety hails Gosling's performance alongside puppeteer James Ortiz's Rocky as Oscar-worthy, praising its emotional depth and spontaneity.
Following strong previews and initial projections of $71.1 million reported on March 20, Project Hail Mary—directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, starring Ryan Gosling, and adapted from Andy Weir's novel—is now forecasting a $77 million-plus opening weekend, per Hollywood Reporter estimates published March 21, 2026. This marks a major win for Amazon MGM Studios. Variety's same-day coverage elevates Gosling as 'the first name worth circling on any early Oscar ballot this year, thanks to #ProjectHailMary.' The review spotlights his chemistry with James Ortiz's Rocky—described as 'equal parts humorous, tense and genuinely moving'—which forms the film's emotional core and elicits Gosling's 'most spontaneous and effective acting moments.' Variety urges Amazon MGM to re-release the film in theaters come fall to refresh voter awareness. Sources consistently highlight the film's commercial strength and critical potential, with no conflicting reports.
