Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the producers behind the upcoming 2026 film adaptation of Andy Weir's bestselling novel "Hail Mary," are working on a new high-concept sci-fi comedy set in high school, according to a recent report. The untitled project will star Charlie Hall, the son of actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus,and be directed by Max Tzannes, who is part of the filmmaking collective Dirty Shot Clean. Hall is also writing the script, marking his first major credit, while simultaneously developing a comedy for Hulu.

Charlie Hall's First Major Writing Credit — and a Starring Role

Charlie Hall, up to now known primarily as the son of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, is stepping into the spotlight with his first major writing credit for this untitled high school sci-fi comedy. According to the source report, Hall will also star in the film. This dual role places significant expectations on a relatively untested talent, though his simultaneous development of a scripted comedy for Hulu sugests Hollywood sees promise in his voice.

Why This Project Isn't the 'Hail Mary' Sequel Fans Hoped For

The success of the "Hail Mary" adaptation — driven by Andy Weir's narrative and the popular character Rocky — has spurred speculation about a sequel . However, the report clarifies that Lord and Miller's new project is a separate venture entirely. While they remain attached to the sci-fi genre,this high school comedy is not a direct follow-up, leaving the fate of a "Hail Mary" sequel uncertain for now.

Max Tzannes and Dirty Shot Clean: From Short Films to Mainstream Sci-Fi

Director Max Tzannes, whose work has been primarily in short films as part of the collective Dirty Shot Clean, is taking on his most high-profile feature to date. The source notes that this move reflects a broader trend in Hollywood of elevating younger talents who often hone their skills on platforms like YouTube. If successful,Tzannes could become the latest example of a short-form filmmaker breaking into major genre cinema.

The YouTube-to-Studio Pipeline Behind a New Generation of Filmmakers

This project fits into a larger pattern identified in the source: a new wave of directors, many originating from YouTube, are beginning to dominate genres like horror. While this new comedy is not horror, it could signal the expansion of that youthful creative wave into sci-fi comedy. Lord and Miller, known for blending humor with genre in films like "The Lego Movie" and "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," appear to be betting on that same blend from emerging voices.

What Remains Unanswered: Plot, Cast, and a Timeline for the Untitled Film

Despite the announcement, several key details are still under wraps. The source provides no plot summary, additional cast members, or production timeline. It is also unclear whether this project has secured a studio or distributor. The report relies on a single source and does not include comment from Lord, Miller, or the filmmakers themselves, leaving room for further clarification.