2026 promises to be a fantastic year for science fiction fans, with new films planned from directors like Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, and Denis Villeneuve. But before those movies arrive, audiences will get to see Project Hail Mary from Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Based on the popular novel by Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary is expected to be one of the biggest hits of the year, thanks to a strong marketing push that’s built excitement over the past few months. The trailers look promising, and early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, suggesting it could be a truly special film.
Critics have already seen the movie Project Hail Mary, and the first reactions are in! Amazon MGM Studios quickly allowed critics to share their thoughts on social media, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Here’s a look at what people are saying:
Project Hail Mary surprised me – it wasn’t the grand space opera I anticipated. Instead, it’s a touching story about friendship and finding peace while lost in space. Ryan Gosling carries much of the film with a fantastic solo performance, and there’s a really endearing little alien character – think of a space-age Rocky!
— tyler “llewyn” taing (@tylerllewtaing) February 25, 2026
Okay, let me tell you, ‘Project Hail Mary’ is the blockbuster we’ve been waiting for! It’s a truly spectacular space adventure, and honestly, it’s the first film of 2026 that’s really blown me away. The visuals, handled by Greig Fraser, are simply breathtaking – reaching for the cosmos in a way few films achieve. But it’s not just pretty pictures; Ryan Gosling delivers a phenomenal performance that grounds the whole thing. Seriously, this movie rocks! You absolutely have to see it.
— Eric Marchen (@EM6211) February 25, 2026
Despite some flaws – a slightly rushed plot, multiple endings, and a nod to Amazon’s ‘Rocky’ films – Ryan Gosling’s performance elevates ‘Project Hail Mary’. Think of it as a streamlined ‘Interstellar’, focusing on the core adventure without getting bogged down in complex details.
— Barry Hertz (@HertzBarry) February 25, 2026
Okay, let me tell you, Ryan Gosling is just phenomenal in ‘Project Hail Mary.’ Seriously, he carries this film. Beyond his performance, the direction is superb – there are moments that genuinely took my breath away. While the emotional high point comes a little sooner than I anticipated, and it maybe lingers a bit too long with an extra ending, I have a feeling this is going to be a movie a lot of people absolutely adore for a long, long time.
— Gregory Ellwood – The Playlist (@TheGregoryE) February 25, 2026
Project Hail Mary is absolutely fantastic! It’s a truly wonderful movie – much funnier than I anticipated, and it flies by. It’s also incredibly touching; I laughed, I cried, and I completely fell in love with the character of Rocky. Ryan Gosling delivers one of his best performances yet. Seriously, wow! #ProjectHailMary
— Tessa Smith – Mama’s Geeky (@MamasGeeky) February 25, 2026
Project Hail Mary is fantastic! It’s a real emotional rollercoaster – I genuinely laughed out loud and even cried a few times while reading it.
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) February 25, 2026
Project Hail Mary is a truly exceptional and deeply touching story – a real masterpiece of optimism and the human spirit. It’s also incredibly fun to read, packed with humor, excitement, unexpected twists, and a sense of hope. It sounds cliché, but this is exactly the kind of movie we need right now, and I’m so glad it exists.
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) February 25, 2026
Project Hail Mary is a truly amazing and exciting film. Directors Lord and Miller have created a stunning space adventure that’s full of feeling and genuine connection. The acting is fantastic, the visuals are incredible, and the character of Rocky is a standout. Seeing it in IMAX is a must – it looks absolutely incredible! This is a movie you won’t soon forget.
— Anthony Gagliardi (@AJGaliardi) February 25, 2026
Project Hail Mary is a truly stunning space adventure, unlike anything you’ve seen before. Ryan Gosling gives a heartfelt performance, and the connection between the characters Grace and Rocky is both funny and deeply moving, showcasing incredible courage. Combined with a powerful musical score and incredibly realistic visuals, this is a bold and unforgettable example of science fiction at its very best.
— Big Gold Belt Media (@BigGoldBelt) February 25, 2026
Could Project Hail Mary Be an Oscars Contender?
It’s too early to predict the winners of the 2026 Oscars, but early reactions to the movie Project Hail Mary suggest it could be a contender. While the Academy Awards don’t often recognize science fiction, the previous film based on an Andy Weir novel, The Martian, received seven nominations, including Best Picture. Plus, there’s usually at least one popular, large-scale film among the nominees; this year it was F1, and previously Dune: Part Two and Wicked were also considered for Best Picture.
Early responses suggest the film Project Hail Mary has strong potential for an Oscar campaign. Ryan Gosling, a three-time Oscar nominee, delivers a captivating performance, and the movie takes audiences on a deeply moving space adventure. Critics are particularly praising the heartwarming relationship between the characters Ryland Grace and Rocky, as well as the film’s inspiring message about teamwork and never giving up. Plus, Project Hail Mary appears to be visually impressive, which could make it a strong contender in technical categories like Best Visual Effects and Best Cinematography.
Even if Project Hail Mary doesn’t receive major award nominations – it’s competing with films like The Odyssey and the potential Dune: Part Three for a single blockbuster spot – strong positive reviews are likely to significantly help its box office performance. It’s becoming harder to get regular moviegoers interested in films that aren’t based on well-known franchises, but Project Hail Mary generated a lot of excitement early on, with some calling it a masterpiece. This buzz suggests it has the potential to be a big hit, and people may be motivated to see it in theaters to be part of the conversation.
Remember, initial reactions are coming from social media, and we’ll have to wait for full reviews of Project Hail Mary. We saw a lot of excitement online for Edgar Wright’s The Running Man that didn’t fully translate to positive reviews, but that’s unlikely to happen here. The fact that Amazon MGM Studios released early access to the film suggests they were very confident in it – and so far, that confidence seems justified.
What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-02-25 18:38