Trending Now - Project Hail Mary' Launches to Record $81M Opening Weekend
WHO:
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller directed "Project Hail Mary."
Sandra Hüller stars alongside Ryan Gosling in the film.
Ryan Gosling stars in "Project Hail Mary"
Amazon MGM Studios produced the film
WHAT:
"Project Hail Mary" is noted as the second non-sequel or non-franchise film in the past decade to open to over $80 million domestically, following "Oppenheimer."
The film was projected to debut with over $50 million before its release.
"Project Hail Mary" achieved a domestic launch of $80.6 million.
The film received an A CinemaScore and a 96 audience ranking on Rotten Tomatoes, with a critics score of 95 percent.
The film opened in 82 international markets, including the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Korea, Japan, and China.
"Project Hail Mary" is now Amazon MGM's highest-grossing film debut.
The film's opening is noted as the best for a non-franchise movie since "Oppenheimer."
"Project Hail Mary" achieved a global box office debut of $140.9 million
The film earned $80.5 million in North America
The film generated $60.4 million from 82 international markets
It is the largest debut of 2026 for an MPA title, surpassing "Scream 7," which launched with $97 million
The film set a record for Amazon MGM, surpassing the previous record held by "Creed III," which opened with $58 million
WHERE:
The film was released in North America and 82 international markets
WHEN:
The film debuted in March 2026
WHY:
Kevin Wilson, Amazon MGM domestic distribution chief, stated, “Congrats to everyone who was involved in making this film,” highlighting the film's success and Gosling's star power.
Kevin Wilson, Amazon MGM domestic distribution chief, stated, “Openings like this is what makes this business special. You could feel how big this film was going to be with the rave reviews from the early screenings and massive presales."
The film's success is seen as a much-needed theatrical win for Amazon MGM and the industry, particularly for a non-franchise movie
HOW:
The film's success was attributed to rave reviews, strong presales, and audience polls, including near-perfect PostTrak exits.
The film's success was attributed to rave reviews and strong presales leading up to its release.
The film's box office success was achieved through ticket sales across various markets
(UPDATED March 22, 2026 23:17 UTC)
In a remarkable box office debut, "Project Hail Mary," directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and starring Sandra Hüller alongside Ryan Gosling, opened to over $80 million domestically, making it the second non-sequel or non-franchise film in the past decade to achieve this milestone, following "Oppenheimer." The film was initially projected to debut with over $50 million, but its success can be attributed to rave reviews, strong presales, and impressive audience feedback, including near-perfect PostTrak exits. Kevin Wilson, Amazon MGM's domestic distribution chief, congratulated everyone involved in the film, emphasizing the impact of Gosling's star power on its performance.
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(UPDATED March 22, 2026 21:11 UTC)
"Project Hail Mary" had a successful domestic launch, raking in $80.6 million and earning an A CinemaScore along with a 96 audience ranking on Rotten Tomatoes, while critics gave it a score of 95 percent. The film opened in 82 international markets, including major countries like the U.K., France, Germany, and China. Kevin Wilson, Amazon MGM's domestic distribution chief, highlighted the film's strong presales and rave reviews from early screenings as key factors in its impressive opening.
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(UPDATED March 22, 2026 19:12 UTC)
In a significant achievement for Amazon MGM, "Project Hail Mary" has become the studio's highest-grossing film debut as of 19:12 UTC. This opening marks the best performance for a non-franchise movie since "Oppenheimer." The film's success highlights a strong reception from audiences and critics alike.
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(UPDATED March 22, 2026 17:16 UTC)
Ryan Gosling stars in the new film "Project Hail Mary," which was produced by Amazon MGM Studios and debuted in March 2026. The movie achieved a remarkable global box office debut of $140.9 million, making it the largest debut of the year for an MPA title and surpassing the previous record held by "Creed III." This success is a significant win for Amazon MGM and the theatrical industry, particularly for a non-franchise film, as it earned $80.5 million in North America and $60.4 million from 82 international markets.