The highly anticipated science fiction film, Project Hail Mary, has achieved a significant milestone for its distributor. Released in theaters on March 20, the movie has rapidly surpassed all previous earnings for Amazon.

Record-Breaking Box Office Performance

Surpassing the Previous Champion

In just two weeks, Project Hail Mary has accumulated over $300 million at the worldwide box office. This monumental achievement officially makes it Amazon MGM's highest-grossing film to date.

The film comfortably surpassed the prior record holder, Creed III from 2023, which had earned $276 million globally. This milestone is particularly notable following Amazon's $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM in 2022.

Strong Opening and Second Weekend

The movie debuted strongly, opening to $80.6 million domestically. Its momentum continued into the second weekend, where it brought in an additional $54.5 million domestically, marking a minimal drop of only 32%.

Globally, the film added $54.1 million across 86 markets during its second weekend. Key international markets showing strong returns included the United Kingdom, China, Australia, South Korea, and Germany.

Franchise Firsts and Individual Records

Opening Weekend Triumphs

Project Hail Mary broke numerous records right out of the gate. It secured the best domestic debut of 2026 and the best opening weekend for a non-franchise movie in March.

The film also marked the best opening weekend for directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Furthermore, it stands as Ryan Gosling’s second-best opening weekend, trailing only Barbie.

Milestones for Ryan Gosling

After only six days in theaters, the film crossed the $100 million domestic mark. This made Project Hail Mary Gosling’s fourth film to reach this benchmark, joining Barbie, La La Land, and Remember the Titans.

Its second weekend gross of $54.5 million was the second-best sophomore weekend for any non-franchise movie in history, second only to 2009's Avatar.

Production Details and Critical Acclaim

The Story and Creative Team

The movie was produced with a budget of $200 million, indicating a necessary break-even point around $500 million globally.

Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film is based on Andy Weir’s 2021 novel and features a script by Drew Goddard. It follows a science teacher, Ryland Grace, who wakes up alone on a spaceship tasked with saving the sun from a destructive force.

Cast and Reception

Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace, supported by an ensemble cast including Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, James Ortiz, Ken Leung, Milana Vayntrub, and others.

Beyond box office success, the film has garnered critical praise, holding a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics lauded it as a visually stunning space adventure blending intelligence and emotion, largely powered by Gosling's engaging performance. The audience score is even higher, sitting at 96%.