67. Spoiler Review: Project Hail Mary (2026 film)

⚠️ FULL SPOILERS. If you haven't read the book or seen Project Hail Mary yet, do that first, then come back.Andy Weir fans have been waiting for this one. The 2021 bestselling novel finally makes its big screen debut and this is the kind of movie that reminds you what movie magic can actually feel like.Ryan Gosling (star and producer), Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall, The Zone of Interest), directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller (21 Jump Street, Spider-Verse), and the voice and puppetry team behind Rocky team up to bring Weir's epic to life. It's a tall order given how many people love this book and how many millions were absorbed by Ray Porter's unrivaled audiobook narration.Sohrab and Roya break it all down. Does Gosling nail the balance of Grace, the goofy, brilliant, emotionally isolated scientist thrust into an impossible mission? Does Hüller carry the cold, commanding presence of Strat with the laser focus the role demands? And how do you bring a faceless alien to life and make the entire audience fall in love with him?Weir does it again, a story built on optimism, science, intelligence, and teamwork against insurmountable odds. Ted Lasso comes to mind: even in the darkest moments, there is always a place for hope. You feel that in every scene.Yes, things were cut from the book. Yes, changes were made. Are there some bumps and decisions we didn't fully understand on first viewing? Sure. Does this still deliver? Hell yes.Project Hail Mary has already locked its place on the best films of 2026 list and its theatrical run has been extended, including on IMAX. See it on the biggest screen you can. When it hits Prime Video, that'll be your second or third watch.If you are enjoying the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It genuinely helps more than you know.Sound Speed Action covers film reviews, series reviews, and the business of entertainment. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.For more great book content follow Roya at @royaltyreads on IG.