Exciting New Footage from Project Hail Mary Unveiled at Comic-Con
The recently revealed footage of Project Hail Mary received an enthusiastic response filled with laughter during the Amazon MGM Studios panel at San Diego Comic-Con. Stars Ryan Gosling, directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, author Andy Weir, and screenwriter Drew Goddard showcased a selection of clips from the first third of this highly anticipated sci-fi film, set to hit theaters on March 20, 2026.
In Project Hail Mary, Ryan Gosling takes on the role of Ryland Grace, a middle school teacher thrust into the vastness of outer space on a mission to save humanity. The presentation kicked off with the unveiling of the film’s first five minutes, which opens with Gosling waking up aboard a spaceship, sporting a significant beard and navigating interactions with robot assistants. The audience burst into laughter as Gosling comically attempts to regain his bearings, culminating in the memorable line, “Where am I?” as he gazes out into the infinite expanse of space.
From the stage, Gosling humorously described his character’s outfit as a “placenta onesie,” joking that he hopes to see fans donning similar costumes at next year’s Comic-Con. The laughter continued during a subsequent clip featuring co-star Sandra Hüller, who encourages Gosling’s character to experiment on an alien cell, leading to more comedic moments. “Am I expendable? Is that why you want me?” Gosling’s character questions, to which Hüller replies, “That’s not the only reason.”
As tensions rise, Gosling’s character feels the scrutiny of a team of scientists. “It took 200 years to figure out how bacteria work,” he remarks, to which Hüller retorts, “Please do it faster.” Another poignant scene showcases Gosling grappling with zero gravity during his space journey, where he experiences a profound realization. “I connected to his reluctance,” said Gosling, reflecting on his character’s ordinary nature.
The filmmakers expressed their excitement about collaborating with Gosling, with Miller stating, “We wanted to work with Ryan for a long time. This has been the most rewarding collaboration of our careers.” Lord humorously framed the film’s message, saying it raises the question: “If the universe depends on it, can adult men make friends?” The team emphasized their success in blending humor with deeper emotional moments. “In life, our experiences are both dramatic and comedic,” said Goddard, with Miller adding, “Things become funnier when they stem from real emotions.”
Weir praised Gosling for adding unexpected depth to the character, quipping, “Seeing Ryan give so many layers to this character I created was eye-opening. This character is really cool!” The discussion also touched on Rocky, the alien that Gosling encounters, with Miller expressing confidence that audiences would connect emotionally with the character despite it lacking traditional features like eyes or a mouth. "You would die for this character," he declared, while Weir playfully compared Rocky to Gosling’s previous co-stars, saying, “From Emma Stone to a creature of stone.”
Project Hail Mary follows Ryland Grace, played by Gosling, who finds himself aboard a spaceship with no recollection of his past or how he got there. His mission to save Earth from a looming catastrophe leads him to an enigmatic alien seeking to rescue its own species. Directed by Lord and Miller, the film features Hüller and Milana Vayntrub, adapting Weir’s bestselling novel. Mark your calendars for March 20, 2026, for this captivating sci-fi adventure!
