The trailer for Project Hail Mary has set a new benchmark in the film industry, amassing over 400 million views within the first week of its release. This remarkable achievement makes it the most-watched trailer for an original film, surpassing all previous records for non-sequel or non-remake movies. The data, provided by WaveMetrix, highlights the unprecedented anticipation surrounding the film.
A Stellar Cast and Compelling Storyline
Starring Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, the film depicts a science teacher-turned-astronaut tasked with saving Earth from an impending crisis. The narrative unfolds as an alien microorganism threatens to drain the sun’s energy, propelling humanity towards extinction. Gosling’s character wakes up on a spacecraft light years away from home, grappling with amnesia about his identity and mission. As his memories gradually resurface, he must uncover the truth behind the sun’s deterioration and how to stop it.
Set for release on March 20, 2026, the film is co-directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, renowned for their work on The LEGO Movie and 21 Jump Street. Joining Gosling in the cast are Sandra Hüller, an Oscar nominee for Anatomy of a Fall, and Lionel Boyce from The Bear.
Unprecedented Anticipation and Positive Reactions
The trailer’s overwhelming success marks the most prosperous launch in the history of Amazon MGM Studios, signaling a strong market interest in original intellectual properties. Enthusiastic fans have taken to social media, expressing their excitement about the visuals, emotional depth, and Gosling’s performance. One user remarked, “If you make great films, great audiences will appear,” reflecting the widespread enthusiasm for the project.
Reactions have been largely positive, with many viewers noting the adaptation’s fidelity to the source material and its stunning special effects. “I have rarely been this excited to see a movie. Jazz hands forever!” a user commented on YouTube, while another shared their newfound appreciation for reading after watching the trailer, stating, “I saw the trailer and decided to read the book. I couldn’t put it down!”
Though some viewers raised questions about labeling the film as “original,” given its basis on a novel, the overall sentiment has been one of eager anticipation. Andy Weir‘s 2021 novel, which the film adapts, was a finalist for the Hugo Award in 2022 and follows in the successful footsteps of Weir’s previous bestseller, The Martian.
Even the directors expressed their astonishment at the trailer’s success. Both Lord and Miller tweeted, “Holy Moly. Thank you all you glorious generous fans of movies/books/near light speed space travel/the Sun for pushing the trailer for Project Hail Mary past 400 million views.” They also confirmed their participation at Comic-Con, promising fans an exciting presentation filled with surprises.
As the film’s release date approaches, the buzz surrounding Project Hail Mary continues to grow, setting the stage for what could be one of the most talked-about films of 2026.
