Phil Lord and Christopher Miller's 'Project Hail Mary' has received rave early reviews
Ryan Gosling delivers a standout performance according to critics
The film is being positioned as a potential major awards contender
One critic called it 'the first great blockbuster of 2026'
The sci-fi comedy combines humor with high-stakes space drama
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Phil Lord and Christopher Miller's upcoming sci-fi comedy 'Project Hail Mary' has received glowing early reviews from film critics during a press screening on February 24, 2026, just weeks before its March 20 theatrical release, with critics hailing the Ryan Gosling-starring film as a potential major awards contender and the first great blockbuster of the year. The eagerly anticipated space adventure, which marks the directing duo's latest collaboration following their successful work on 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' and 'The LEGO Movie,' has been described by reviewers as a 'must-see space odyssey' that combines humor with high-stakes drama. Film critic Eric Marchen took to X to share particularly enthusiastic praise, declaring the film 'the first great blockbuster of 2026' and suggesting it could be a significant player during next year's Oscar season, generating considerable excitement among moviegoers and industry insiders alike.
Ryan Thomas Gosling ( GOSS-ling; born November 12, 1980) is a Canadian actor. His work includes both independent films and major studio features, and his accolades include a Golden Globe Award, in addition to nominations for three Academy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two British Academy Film ...
Project Hail Mary is a 2021 hard science fiction novel by American writer Andy Weir. It centers on school teacher and former biologist Ryland Grace, who wakes up aboard a spacecraft afflicted with amnesia.
Project Hail Mary received generally good reviews, and it was a finalist for the 2022 Hugo Aw...
Philip Anderson Lord (born July 12, 1975) and Christopher Robert Miller (born September 23, 1975) are an American filmmaking and acting duo. Their films are known for subversion of genre and detailed visual sensation, spanning various styles of live-action and animation. They are the co-creators, co...
Feb 24, 2026 10:04pm PT ‘Project Hail Mary’ First Reactions: Ryan Gosling Is a ‘Shining Star’ in Christopher Miller and Phil Lord’s ‘Must-See Space Odyssey’ By Jack Dunn Plus Icon Jack Dunn Latest Neve Campbell Could Not ‘Live With Myself’ if She Accepted Unfair ‘Scream 6’ Paycheck: ‘My Value to This Franchise Was Bigger’ 4 hours ago David Ellison to Attend Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address After Paramount Ups Warner Bros. Bid 5 hours ago Briana Middleton and Kyle Allen to Star in Los Angeles Conspiracy Thriller ‘Tilt’ From Getaway Entertainment 12 hours ago See All “ Project Hail Mary ” has been unveiled to members of the film press ahead of its March 20 release, and first reactions are calling Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s sci-fi comedy a “must-see space odyssey” that may prove to be a “major awards player” come Oscar time next year. Film critic Eric Marchen shared a glowing review on X , writing that “Project Hail Mary” is “the first great blockbuster of 2026.” Related Stories Cardi B, ‘The Don Lemon Show’ and SZA Win on Night 2 of NAACP Image Awards' Virtual Pre-Show
