Anticipation is building for Ryan Gosling’s forthcoming sci-fi film Project Hail Mary, which is shaping up to be everything fans expected from Adam Sandler’s astronaut-themed Netflix film, as showcased in the fresh footage released during CinemaCon 2025. Gosling, who portrayed Neil Armstrong in Damien Chazelle’s acclaimed First Man, is poised to deliver what could be his most impressive sci-fi performance since Denis Villeneuve’s visionary Blade Runner 2049. Set to debut in theaters in 2026, Project Hail Mary has generated significant buzz among sci-fi enthusiasts.
Helmed by the creative duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, known for their work on The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, Project Hail Mary is adapted from Andy Weir’s 2021 novel of the same name. Weir, renowned for his bestselling novel The Martian—which was transformed into an Oscar-nominated film directed by Ridley Scott—has again ignited interest in space tales. The screenplay is crafted by Drew Goddard, famed for his previous writing endeavors in projects like Netflix’s Daredevil, Cloverfield, and The Cabin in the Woods. With such a stellar pedigree, the expectations for Project Hail Mary are exceptionally high.
Gosling’s Project Hail Mary Could Redeem the Spaceman Genre
Mixed Reception for Sandler’s Spaceman on Netflix
The narrative of Project Hail Mary promises to center around a serious space mission, likely infused with humor. This tonal balance is reminiscent of Bong Joon-ho’s recent film Mickey 17, featuring Robert Pattinson, which has also drawn inspiration from literary sources. Gosling’s capacity to blend intense drama with comedic elements, as seen in recent hits like Barbie and The Fall Guy, positions him perfectly for this unique mix.
Conversely, the 2024 release of Sandler’s film Spaceman, featuring Paul Dano, was met with a lukewarm response from viewers and critics alike. Although it was introduced as a more serious venture, Sandler’s comedic essence was noticeably lacking. While the film was adapted from Jaroslav Kalfa’s novel Spaceman of Bohemia, it managed only a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting a disconnect between expectations and execution.
Exploring the Alien Dynamics in Project Hail Mary
James Ortiz Cast as the Alien Rocky in Project Hail Mary
Though both films feature extraterrestrial life, the portrayals significantly differ. In Project Hail Mary, Rocky, a spider-like alien, stands in contrast to Dano’s arachnoid Hanus in Spaceman. While Hanus provides a spiritual guide for Sandler’s character, Rocky emerges as a talented engineer, showcasing his intelligence and ingenuity. Interestingly, the character designs also diverge; Rocky features five legs, whereas Hanus boasts eight and six eyes.
The divergence in character roles presents a compelling opportunity for storytelling in Project Hail Mary, which may add depth to Gosling’s narrative journey in space. Fans will be eager to see how closely the film adheres to the source material, especially regarding Rocky’s character development.