2025 was an uneven year for science fiction films, with some hits and misses. While films like Companion performed well, others, such as Mickey 17, proved controversial, and big-budget movies like TRON: Ares and The Electric State didn’t quite deliver. Fortunately, the rest of the year looks promising with upcoming releases like Predator: Badlands, The Running Man, and the potentially massive Avatar: Fire and Ash. However, 2026 is shaping up to be an even better year for sci-fi fans.
As a huge movie fan, I’m incredibly excited about what’s coming up! We’ve got Dune: Part Three on the horizon, and new sci-fi flicks from the masters – Steven Spielberg is working on a UFO project, and Ridley Scott’s tackling The Dog Stars. But honestly, Project Hail Mary has me the most hyped. It stars Ryan Gosling as a teacher who wakes up in space with amnesia, only to discover he’s Earth’s last hope! Apparently, early screenings are already generating Oscar buzz, according to Deadline‘s Justin Kroll – and it’s not even out until March! The film is slated for a 2026 release, and the word on the street is phenomenal.
Even though awards season is happening now, buzz is building about a movie slated for release in early 2026. Early screenings for industry executives and representatives suggest it’s not just a possible nominee, but a likely frontrunner for major awards by the end of the year. Everyone’s wondering – what film could it be?
— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) November 5, 2025
Although Kroll doesn’t specify the film, most people responding believe it’s Project Hail Mary. The Drama (starring Robert Pattinson and Zendaya) and Is God Is (Aleshea Harris’ first film as director) have also been suggested, but Project Hail Mary is currently the most popular guess, and others have agreed with this idea.
I’ve heard great things about two upcoming movies: “Project Hail Mary” or “Is God Is.” Both are supposed to be excellent, and it looks like it will be a significant year for them as they’re fully committed to releasing them in theaters.
— EmpireCity Box Office (@EmpireCityBO) November 5, 2025
We all pleaded for it this year but we will all wait patiently for Project Hail Mary
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) November 5, 2025
It Won’t Be Surprising If Project Hail Mary Is Incredible
It’s too soon to say for sure which 2026 films will be award contenders, but Project Hail Mary is already creating a lot of excitement, and it seems likely to stay that way through the 2027 Oscars. The trailer looked amazing, suggesting a great combination of realistic science, exciting action, heartfelt moments, and humor – all elements found in Andy Weir’s excellent book, and sure to be delivered by Ryan Gosling’s performance.
Along with Ryan Gosling, who received an Oscar nomination for Barbie, Sandra Hüller is also a strong contender, having recently starred in the critically acclaimed films Anatomy of a Fall and The Zone of Interest. The film is directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, known for their work on the award-winning Spider-Verse movies. While they haven’t often been recognized as directors during awards season, they’re incredibly talented and innovative filmmakers, so many expect this film to be just as impressive.
Ridley Scott’s film The Martian was a successful adaptation of another novel by Andy Weir, with a screenplay by Drew Goddard – the same writer behind Project Hail Mary. The Martian was a critical and commercial hit in the 2010s, earning seven Academy Award nominations, including nods for Best Picture and Matt Damon’s performance. This success sets a high expectation for Project Hail Mary, suggesting it could be one of the best science fiction films – and overall films – of 2026.
Project Hail Mary releases on March 20, 2026.
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2025-11-05 17:11