History of Project Hail Mary (film) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 16, 2026

Project Hail Mary is an upcoming science fiction adventure film directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, adapted from Andy Weir's novel. The story centers on Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling, who wakes up on a spaceship with amnesia. As he pieces together his identity and mission, he discovers he's humanity's last hope, tasked with solving a global energy crisis threatening Earth. The film follows Grace's journey as he navigates the mysteries of space and confronts the challenges of his forgotten purpose.

March 2020: MGM nearing deal for Project Hail Mary

In March 2020, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was nearing a deal to acquire the rights to adapt the upcoming Andy Weir novel Project Hail Mary. Ryan Gosling was set to star in and produce the film, with the rights for the novel acquired for $3 million.

May 2020: Lord and Miller hired to direct Project Hail Mary

In May 2020, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were hired to direct and produce the film adaptation of Project Hail Mary.

2021: Andy Weir publishes Project Hail Mary novel

In 2021, Andy Weir published the novel Project Hail Mary, which served as the basis for the 2026 film adaptation.

2022: Amazon acquires MGM

In 2022, Amazon acquired Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

April 2024: Amazon MGM Studios Announces Possible Release Window

In April 2024, Amazon MGM Studios, which acquired Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 2022, announced a possible 2026 release window for the film Project Hail Mary.

May 2024: Sandra Hüller Joins Project Hail Mary Cast

In May 2024, Sandra Hüller joined the cast of the film Project Hail Mary, with Greig Fraser hired as cinematographer.

June 3, 2024: Principal photography begins for Project Hail Mary

On June 3, 2024, principal photography began for Project Hail Mary in the United Kingdom at Shepperton Studios.

June 2024: Milana Vayntrub Joins Project Hail Mary Cast

In June 2024, Milana Vayntrub joined the cast of Project Hail Mary.

October 26, 2024: Principal photography wraps for Project Hail Mary

On October 26, 2024, principal photography wrapped for Project Hail Mary. Filming locations included Shepperton Studios, the South Parade Pier in Portsmouth, and the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory in Cambridge.

June 30, 2025: Project Hail Mary Trailer Release

On June 30, 2025, the trailer for Project Hail Mary was released. The studio reported that it became the most viewed trailer for a non-sequel or remake movie in its first week, accumulating 400 million views globally.

February 26, 2026: Projected Opening Weekend Box Office

On February 26, 2026, Deadline Hollywood reported that Project Hail Mary was projected to have a $45 million to $55 million domestic opening weekend.

March 1, 2026: Lego releases Hail Mary spacecraft model

On March 1, 2026, Lego released a model of the Hail Mary spacecraft as part of the Lego Icons series.

March 9, 2026: Project Hail Mary Premiere

On March 9, 2026, Project Hail Mary premiered in London and received positive reviews from critics.

March 20, 2026: Project Hail Mary Scheduled Release

Project Hail Mary is scheduled to be released in the United States by Amazon MGM Studios on March 20, 2026.

2026: Project Hail Mary release

In 2026, Project Hail Mary was released. It is an American science fiction adventure film produced and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, and written by Drew Goddard, based on the 2021 novel by Andy Weir. The film stars Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, and Milana Vayntrub.