Project Hail Mary previews
The Ryan Gosling‑led Project Hail Mary debuted Friday and pulled in about $12 million in previews, marking the biggest non‑franchise preview of 2026 and a major win for Amazon Studios. (gamesradar.com) Critics are calling Lord & Miller’s adaptation both faithful and inventive — outlets are already cataloging 4–16 concrete differences between the book and film. (gizmodo.com)
Industry trackers now peg the domestic opening in a wide range — Variety’s early models put it at about $63–$65 million, while Deadline updated Friday afternoon to a $71.1 million target on roughly 4,007 theater runs. (variety.com: deadline.com: ) Long-range forecasters had flagged a $60–$70 million domestic window before release, and some international tracking now sees a global opening north of $100 million across roughly 80+ markets. (boxofficepro.com: comicbookmovie.com: ) Industry coverage frames the film as a make-or-break tentpole for Amazon MGM’s theatrical push, with multiple outlets noting that a top-tier opening would represent the studio’s biggest launch to date. (deadline.com: variety.com: ) Early aggregator numbers show a robust critical and audience response on the review platforms, with Rotten Tomatoes listing a Certified Fresh Tomatometer in the mid‑90s and an audience score around the high‑90s based on initial reviews and verified user ratings. (rottentomatoes.com: ) Reporting on the film’s cost varies: trade pieces cite a production budget roughly in the $175–$200 million range after incentives, while other outlets report a gross spend near $248 million before tax credits. (variety.com: slashfilm.com: ) The rights to Andy Weir’s novel were reportedly purchased in early 2020 for about $3 million, and the picture was shepherded to screen with a high-profile creative team that includes Drew Goddard on screenplay duties and Ryan Gosling among the producers. (worldofreel.com: en.wikipedia.org: ))
