‘Project Hail Mary’ brings Andy Weir’s sci-fi novel to the big screen

A journey light years away from our own galaxy awaits in Project Hail Mary, the film adaptation of Andy Weir’s bestselling sci-fi novel. Directed and produced by longtime collaborators Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film brings Weir’s space adventure story to the big screen.

The duo said they quickly became immersed in the story after receiving the manuscript. “We read it in 24 hours,” Miller recalled, noting how the novel’s mix of space adventure, disaster narrative, and character-driven storytelling drew them in.

In Project Hail Mary, science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up aboard a spacecraft light years away from the solar system with no memory of how he got there. As his memories slowly return, Grace realizes the gravity of his mission: to save humanity from a mysterious lifeform that is draining the sun of its energy. Along the way, he encounters an unlikely ally, and together they work toward a solution that could prevent extinction.

Check out the latest sneak peek vignette from Project Hail Mary

Author Andy Weir shared the manuscript with Gosling in early 2020, before the novel’s release, already envisioning the actor in the role of Grace. He also encouraged Gosling to take on a producing role for the film. Gosling described the character as someone who does not see himself as a traditional hero but continues to persevere despite fear and uncertainty.

Joining Gosling, Lord, and Miller in producing the film is Amy Pascal, whose previous credits include Little Women and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Pascal said she was drawn to the story’s emphasis on collaboration and the importance of understanding others in order to solve global challenges.

Lord added that the film reflects the idea that solutions can emerge when people work together with imagination and goodwill.

Set off on a journey across galaxies, Project Hail Mary arrives in Philippine cinemas on March 18.