Put together for liftoff. March marks the arrival of Undertaking Hail Mary, one of many first occasion motion pictures of 2026. Ryan Gosling headlines the area odyssey as Dr. Ryland Grace, a science trainer despatched into area to save lots of the world. Alongside the best way, Grace meets Rocky, an alien who turns into his buddy and a accomplice within the mission.
Based mostly on books by the identical creator, Undertaking Hail Mary has drawn comparisons to The Martian, one other area journey film that includes a lone astronaut trying to outlive in a overseas setting. Regardless of their similarities, audiences wouldn’t have to observe The Martian earlier than seeing Undertaking Hail Mary. That being mentioned, The Martian is a wonderful sci-fi film that is value your time and consideration.
The Martian explores the very best components of humanity
Mark Watney: House Pirate
Based mostly on the 2011 novel of the identical identify, The Martian stars Damon as Mark Watney, an astronaut mistakenly left for lifeless on Mars after being separated from his crew throughout a violent storm. Thrust into survival mode, Watney should determine easy methods to keep alive lengthy sufficient to contact NASA and get house. As Watney mentions throughout considered one of his logs, “I will need to science the s— out of this.”
Whereas I agree with Judd Apatow that The Martian just isn’t a comedy, it does have a depraved humorousness. It is definitely considered one of Ridley Scott’s funniest movies. After Watney barely survives his accidents, his first phrase is a curse. What higher technique to describe being the one man stranded on Mars than a four-letter cuss? From rising potatoes with frozen waste and posing just like the Fonz to destroying disco music and explaining worldwide legislation, Watney makes use of his every day logs to vent his frustrations, categorical his sarcasm, and educate the viewers. The result’s an entertaining character examine about how people stay optimistic towards unattainable circumstances.
Whereas Watney exhibits off his ingenuity on Mars, NASA and the world’s best scientists determine easy methods to rescue their lacking astronaut. Is NASA prepared to threat time, cash, assets, and much more lives to rescue Watney? It is an interesting debate about morality and the value of somebody’s life. That seems like it might weigh the film down emotionally. Nevertheless, The Martian by no means takes itself too critically. Even when the crew of the Hermes conducts their rescue mission, Watney makes a joke about turning into Iron Man to lighten the temper.
It is tough to think about that america and China would put apart their variations to save lots of an astronaut. Frankly, it could be probably the most unrealistic factor about this film. Nonetheless, I can imagine tens of millions of individuals around the globe would look ahead to updates concerning the rescue mission. In a world determined for heroes, The Martian’s optimistic nature is refreshing.
There may be some connective tissue, however they’re separate tales
Similar author, new adventures
Credit score: Jonathan Olley/Amazon Content material Providers
The Martian and Undertaking Hail Mary hail from the identical novelist, Andy Weir. Each tales function protagonists who depend on their wit and intelligence to energy by way of tough conditions. Watney and Grace are alone. Nicely, let me rephrase. Watney and Grace go on their journeys with out different people.
The 2 motion pictures additionally share the identical screenwriter, Drew Goddard. The Academy Award nominee efficiently injects Weir’s humorous tone into the script. As somebody who struggled with science in class, I really feel that these scripts do a stable job of explaining complicated conditions in easy phrases. It isn’t Margot Robbie in a bath discussing mortgage-backed safety, however Damon explaining easy methods to make water on Mars is simple sufficient for this B-student to course of.
Having seen each motion pictures, the tones are utterly totally different. The Martian is a survival story constructed round a rescue mission to a different planet. It is a film that embraces its sci-fi roots and depends on chemistry and physics to unravel issues. Whereas the motion principally takes place on Mars, it is an journey that takes place in the identical photo voltaic system as Earth.
In comparison with The Martian, Undertaking Hail Mary is a way more emotional story, because it focuses on the sudden friendship between Grace and Rocky. When Grace and Rocky start working collectively, it performs like a buddy comedy, which is sensible, contemplating the comedic background of administrators Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Whereas the objective of The Martian is to save lots of one man, Undertaking Hail Mary depicts how one man (and an alien) should decide why the solar is dying to save lots of the individuals of Earth.
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Undertaking Hail Mary is projected to be considered one of 2026’s first nice motion pictures
May awards be sooner or later?
Amazon MGM Studios has excessive hopes for Undertaking Hail Mary. Based on Selection, Undertaking Hail Mary is projected to earn $63 million to $65 million domestically this weekend. Something over $60 million can be Amazon MGM’s largest opening weekend, beating Creed III’s $58 million. With an estimated price range of $200 million, Amazon MGM has greater hopes for Undertaking Hail Mary as a world hit that grosses lots of of tens of millions.
Overwhelmingly optimistic critiques and a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes ought to assist Undertaking Hail Mary’s field workplace probabilities. Who is aware of? If Undertaking Hail Mary turns into an enormous hit, it might kick off an awards narrative. The Academy rewarded The Martian with seven Oscar nominations, together with Greatest Image. The Oscars have just lately saved a spot within the Greatest Image lineup for a blockbuster. This yr, it was F1. May that spot go to Undertaking Hail Mary subsequent yr?
Once more, you don’t want to observe The Martian earlier than Undertaking Hail Mary to grasp the plot. It isn’t the MCU or DCU, the place information of prior motion pictures turns into a requirement. Merely head to the theater, seize your popcorn, and put together to develop sympathy for a rock.
Undertaking Hail Mary opens in theaters on March 20, 2026.
Undertaking Hail Mary
Launch Date
March 20, 2026
Runtime
156 Minutes
Director
Christopher Miller, Phil Lord
New motion pictures to observe this weekend
Undertaking Hail Mary just isn’t the one noteworthy film out this weekend. There are a number of new motion pictures on streaming this weekend, together with Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man on Netflix and Depraved: For Good on Peacock. Should you’re trying to watch One Battle After One other, head to HBO Max to stream the current Greatest Image winner.
