Updated projections show Amazon MGM Studios' Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling, set for over $100 million globally this weekend, up significantly from earlier $50 million North American estimates. The sci-fi adaptation opens in over 4,000 North American theaters amid strong reviews (95% critics, 98% audience on Rotten Tomatoes) and massive trailer buzz, while Searchlight's Ready or Not 2 eyes $14 million worldwide.
Projections for Project Hail Mary have surged from the $50 million North American opening estimated last month to over $60 million domestically and $100 million globally across 82 territories, with 90% from overseas markets including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Korea, Japan, and China (handled by Sony). Geopolitical concerns may impact the Middle East. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller from Andy Weir's novel, the $190 million net production (Lord, Miller, Amy Pascal, Rachel O’Connor, Aditya Sood, Weir, Gosling) features premium formats like IMAX, PLFs, and D-Box.
Fresh off a 95% certified fresh critics score and 98% audience score, early previews in 29 70MM locations sold out, bolstered by Prime Early Access IMAX/PLF screenings. Promotional momentum kicked off at CinemaCon in April, peaked at San Diego Comic-Con in July with a trailer amassing over 400 million views—the biggest for a non-franchise/non-sequel—propelling Weir's book back onto New York Times and Audible bestseller lists. This positions it as Amazon MGM's potential largest domestic/global opener, topping Creed III's $58.3 million in 2023. Comps include The Martian's $54.3 million domestic start and Interstellar's $681 million worldwide.
Meanwhile, Searchlight's Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (74% on Rotten Tomatoes, below the original's 89%) projects $11 million domestic from 3,000 theaters and $3 million overseas for $14 million total. Starring Samara Weaving, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Elijah Wood, and Kathryn Newton, the sequel follows the 2019 hit that opened to $8 million and grossed $57.6 million globally off $6 million.
