Project Hail Mary Runtime Finally Confirmed — Buckle Up
BBFC makes it official — Project Hail Mary, the anticipated sci-fi from the author of The Martian, is set for a lengthy runtime.
Project Hail Mary just locked in a runtime, and it is not shy about taking up your evening. The big sci-fi swing starring Ryan Gosling will run 156 minutes. That comes via the British ratings board, which also tagged the movie with a 12A in the UK (think PG-13 vibes).
So what are we in for?
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are directing, with Drew Goddard adapting Andy Weir's novel. If that combo makes your movie brain light up, same. Goddard previously adapted Weir's The Martian, which turned into the Matt Damon hit. Here, he is also executive producing alongside his Goddard Textiles partner Sarah Esberg and Ken Kao.
The premise sticks close to the book: Ryland Grace (Gosling), a former science teacher, wakes up alone on a ship way, way off the grid with no clue who he is or how he got there. As the pieces snap back into place, he realizes his job is to solve a cosmic-level problem tied to a strange substance that is dimming the sun. Earth is on the clock. The twist that gives the story its heart: he might not be as alone as he thought.
Key details, all in one place
- Runtime: 156 minutes; rated 12A in the UK
- Release date: March 20, 2026
- Directors: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
- Screenplay: Drew Goddard, from the novel by Andy Weir
- Producers: Amy Pascal, Ryan Gosling, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Aditya Sood, Rachel O'Connor, Andy Weir
- Executive producers: Drew Goddard, Sarah Esberg, Ken Kao
- Cast: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, Milana Vayntrub
- Format: Filmed for IMAX
The trailer tease
The newest footage leans into the unlikely-buddy angle between Gosling and the film's alien lifeform, including a quick gag about a fist bump that actually lands. It is a small beat, but it says a lot about the tone Lord and Miller are chasing: brainy, high-stakes science with just enough warmth to sting.
Everyone behind the curtain seems pretty happy
"All of us are incredibly excited by this literal dream team coming together around Andy's astounding novel. With their masterful ability to balance drama, action, and humor, Phil and Chris are the perfect filmmakers to take on this unique material..."
"I couldn't be more excited to be working with this dream team of filmmakers... I can't wait to get going on this amazing project with them."
Studio enthusiasm is standard, sure, but 156 minutes plus IMAX says they are backing that talk with real ambition.