Project Hail Mary‘s latest trailer unveils Ryan Gosling as science teacher-turned-astronaut Ryland Grace, who wakes alone on a spaceship with no memory, only to forge an unlikely friendship with a mysterious, rock-like alien. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, with a screenplay by Drew Goddard, the star-studded sci-fi adaptation of Andy Weir’s hit novel is set for wide theatrical and IMAX release on March 20, 2026. Audiences get their first look at “Rocky,” the endearing alien sidekick, as humanity’s desperate survival rides on a partnership that bridges worlds and languages. The trailer highlights the film’s blend of suspense, grand cosmic visuals, and unexpected humor, promising a unique spin on the lone-astronaut genre through a deeply emotional interstellar buddy adventure. Gosling’s performance and the alien’s visual effects already have fans buzzing about one of 2026’s most anticipated releases.
Cast, Director, and Release Info
Principal Cast: Ryan Gosling (Dr. Ryland Grace), Milana Vayntrub (Olesya Ilyukhina), Sandra Hüller (Eva Stratt), Ken Leung, Liz Kingsman, Lionel Boyce, Aaron Neil, James Ortiz (Rocky), Isla McRae, Orion Lee, James Wright, Robert James Smith
Directors: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
Writer: Drew Goddard (screenplay); Andy Weir (novel)
Producers: Amy Pascal, Ryan Gosling, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Aditya Sood, Rachel O’Connor, Andy Weir
Distributor: Amazon MGM Studios
Release Date: March 20, 2026 (theatrical and IMAX)
Trailer Highlights
The trailer teases the film’s core premise: Dr. Grace is humanity’s last hope on a solo deep-space mission, only to discover an intelligent alien (nicknamed “Rocky”) on the same quest to save its own planet. The tongue-tied communication gradually morphs into a touching interspecies partnership, depicted with humor and stunning effects. Visuals show weightless alien movement and inventive problem-solving by both the human and alien as they race to avert mutual planetary extinction. IMAX-ready visuals and the score set an epic, emotional tone for a character-driven cosmic adventure.
Behind the Scenes
Directing duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, celebrated for The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, make their live-action return after over a decade. Drew Goddard (The Martian) adapts Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, ensuring scientific authenticity and witty narrative. The production utilizes groundbreaking motion capture and VFX to realize the character Rocky, promising to set a new benchmark for alien realism in film.
Anticipation and Early Buzz
With its epic trailer quickly racking up millions of views and generating “best sci-fi of 2026” predictions, Project Hail Mary positions itself as a must-see for fans of both space thrillers and heartwarming character stories. The unexpected warmth between Gosling and “Rocky” already stands out as a highlight, raising expectations for an emotional, funny, and visually stunning journey to the stars.
