One of the most highly anticipated panels at San Diego Comic-Con this year was dedicated to Project Hail Mary, an exciting new film adaptation that captivated audiences during its presentation in the prestigious Hall H on Saturday.
The Project Hail Mary panel featured an impressive lineup of talent, including co-directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, lead actor Ryan Gosling, esteemed screenwriter and executive producer Drew Goddard, and the novel’s author, Andy Weir, who expressed his strong confidence in the film adaptation. During the panel discussion, Miller remarked that this collaboration has been one of the most fulfilling experiences he and Lord have ever undertaken, which speaks volumes about their previous projects. Notably, significant time was dedicated to welcoming Goddard onboard, who is also known for adapting Weir’s acclaimed novel The Martian for the silver screen with Ridley Scott.
Attendees were treated to an exclusive first look at Project Hail Mary, with our own Chris Bumbray present to provide insights into the footage shown. The audience was privy to the opening five minutes of the film, which depicted Gosling’s character awakening aboard his spaceship after an induced coma, propelling the narrative into high gear. Viewers might even feel a sense of nostalgia as the film opens with the iconic MGM/United Artists logo from the 1980s, setting a unique tone for the cinematic experience ahead.
Following the initial footage, the panel presented a gripping scene featuring Sandra Hüller as Eva Stratt, who serves as Gosling’s superior in the film. Gosling’s character, Dr. Ryland Grace, has penned an article proposing the existence of life forms independent of water; intriguingly, NASA has discovered an alien specimen that he previously analyzed. Gosling emphasized that while Grace is portrayed as a highly intelligent individual, he is also designed to be relatable and down-to-earth. A particularly impactful scene showcased Grace’s first experience with zero gravity, where he becomes overwhelmed and terrified, allowing the audience to connect with his emotional journey as he faces a potential encounter with the unknown. This pivotal moment sets up Grace’s path towards self-belief after enduring significant challenges.
Similar to the zero-gravity scene, which received validation from real astronauts, Project Hail Mary places great emphasis on the accuracy of the scientific elements depicted on screen, whether they serve as central plot points or subtle background details. On the technical side, the filmmakers have created practical sets, including an impressive 100-foot-long tunnel that is illuminated in such a way—thanks to cinematographer Greig Fraser—that it required the power of two additional soundstages!
Weir posed a thought-provoking question: if a planet hosts life, what characteristics are essential for the development of intelligent life? The answer includes traits such as pack mentality, language, and empathy. Goddard humorously noted that from a screenwriter’s perspective, this project presents unique challenges, as one character is human while the other is a rock. Despite the differences, both characters strive to understand each other’s perspectives, showcasing their innate empathy. The rock character, dubbed Rocky, is a blend of puppetry and animation, designed for real interaction with Gosling. This creative endeavor posed the challenge of crafting a lovable creature from inanimate minerals. Although the SDCC panel audience didn’t see Rocky in his entirety, they did catch a glimpse of his hand during their first encounter.
In adapting the source material, the filmmakers maintained the complexity of the book’s narrative, viewing any challenges as opportunities to innovate. As Miller aptly put it, this film operates like a PC rather than a MAC, emphasizing a thoughtful approach to storytelling.
Anticipation for the film has already reached significant heights, with the trailer amassing over 400 million views—the highest for an original movie to date. With the additional footage unveiled at SDCC, Project Hail Mary has surged to the forefront of our most eagerly awaited films for next year.
The official synopsis for Project Hail Mary, as shared at SDCC, reads: “The movie follows a science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship, lightyears from home, with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: to solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction . . . but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.”
Project Hail Mary marks the return of the acclaimed team of Lord and Miller behind the camera for the first time in over a decade, following their successful transition into producing for both film and television, along with their celebrated co-writing of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Will you be among those eager to experience Project Hail Mary when it launches in theaters on March 20th, 2026?
