Ryan Gosling’s most anticipated project is Project Hail Mary. The upcoming sci-fi film is based on a novel by Andy Weir, who previously penned the book The Martian, which also turned into a movie starring Matt Damon. The story is about a scientist (but as he says, not an astronaut) who is sent to save Earth, alone, by studying strange phenomena in space.

It will star Gosling in the lead role, and given the nature of the plot, it will mostly just be him on screen. Project Hail Mary is co-directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, with a script adapted by Drew Goddard. The cast also includes Liz Kingsman, Lionel Boyce, Sandra Hüller, and Ken Leung. It is set for release on March 20, 2026.

The movie is looking to become one of 2026’s best sci-fi projects. However, it also comes out during what is going to be a stacked year for science fiction.

Ryan Gosling’s Project Hail Mary Is One Of The Most Exciting Upcoming Sci-Fi Movies

Its Trailer Is Really Promising

The first trailer for Project Hail Mary has been released and looks very promising. The trailer reveals the extremely high stakes, as humanity is relying upon Gosling’s Ryland Grace to save them. The trailer showcases what looks to be a great performance from Gosling and an uplifting space film.

The film is also exciting because it sees the directorial return of Lord and Miller. The last movies the pair directed were over a decade ago, with 22 Jump Street and The Lego Movie, so this will be a welcome return.

2026 Is A Stacked Year For Sci-Fi – Including Spielberg & Villeneuve

Project Hail Mary Isn’t Next Year’s Biggest Genre Film

As exciting as Project Hail Mary is, there are even more great projects coming down the pike. First, 2026 will see directing legend Steven Spielberg helm a sci-fi film. Little is known about this movie so far, but it is thought to include UFOs.

Making Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Spielberg was considered the king of the genre in the early stages of his career. He went on to make genre-defining movies such as E.T. and Jurᴀssic Park. As such, his return to the genre is welcome.

Another modern sci-fi extraordinaire is also back next year: Denis Villeneuve. After tackling the first two Dune movies, Villeneuve is back next year with Dune: Part Three. The second installment was an excellent testament to how expertly the filmmaker could adapt sci-fi for the big screen, and he could do it again with this third film.

So, even with Project Hail Mary looking to be a great collaboration between Gosling, Lord, and Miller, 2026 has an even more impressive sci-fi calendar. It’s rare to see films in this genre by both an incumbent legend and a budding legend, so sci-fi audiences will definitely get a big treat next year.