Project Hail Mary, the sci-fi adventure starring Ryan Gosling as a teacher tasked with saving Earth, has launched to a $140.9 mln global debut. The total includes $80.5 mln from North America and $60.4 mln across 82 international markets.
The film marks the largest opening of 2026 so far, surpassing Scream 7 and setting a new record for Amazon MGM, topping 2023’s Creed III. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the $200 mln production follows a former molecular biologist on an interstellar mission to prevent global extinction. It is adapted from Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, whose earlier work The Martian was a box office hit in 2015.
Kevin Wilson, Amazon’s distribution chief, praised the film’s combination of critical acclaim, audience enthusiasm and Gosling’s star power, calling it «a visually stunning, heart-gripping film that demands to be experienced on the biggest screen possible.»
International Success And Imax Boost
Project Hail Mary ranks as the third non-franchise film since COVID to open above $50 mln overseas, joining Oppenheimer and F1: The Movie. Top international markets include the UK ($10.2 mln), China ($7.1 mln), Australia ($5 mln) and South Korea ($4.3 mln). Premium formats helped drive revenue, with Imax contributing $27.6 mln globally. Imax CEO Rich Gelfond highlighted the film’s «stunning depiction of the cosmos» and strong connection to the format.
The film is shaping up to be Amazon MGM’s first major box office hit since its $8 bn acquisition of MGM. The studio plans to release 13 films in theatres throughout 2026. Analyst Shawn Robbins said the film benefits from both the strength of Weir’s novel and audience demand for escapism, predicting it will continue to draw viewers for weeks.
