The upcoming film adaptation of Andy Weir’s bestselling sci-fi novel Project Hail Mary is already one of the most anticipated movies of 2026. With Ryan Gosling in the lead role and Phil Lord and Chris Miller directing, expectations are sky-high. Now, the confirmed runtime of 2 hours and 36 minutes has added even more buzz to the conversation.
A Lengthy Runtime Confirmed
The official runtime was revealed by the Project Hail Mary Updates account and later reposted by director Phil Lord, who clarified that the figure includes credits. For comparison, Weir’s previous adaptation, The Martian, had credits running about eight minutes. Even factoring in similar timing, fans can expect more than two hours and twenty minutes of story before the credits roll.
Why Fans Are Excited
Long runtimes often spark mixed reactions, but in this case, many see it as a positive sign. Weir’s novel is packed with detail, from Ryland Grace’s thrilling mission to save humanity to the backstory that shaped his journey. A longer runtime suggests the filmmakers are giving space to both character development and the high-stakes action sequences that define the book. For readers who loved the novel, trimming too much of the story would risk losing its depth. The extended runtime offers hope that the adaptation will remain faithful to the source material while still delivering cinematic spectacle.
The Cast and Crew
Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace, with Sandra Hüller joining the cast in a key role. The film is directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, known for their ability to balance humor, heart, and action in projects like The Lego Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Their involvement has reassured fans that Project Hail Mary will capture both the intensity and the humanity of Weir’s novel.
Release Date and Anticipation
The film is set to hit theaters on March 20, 2026, just weeks away. With trailers already generating excitement, fans are eager to see how the adaptation handles the novel’s blend of science, suspense, and emotional storytelling. For many, the runtime is not a deterrent but a promise: more time to immerse themselves in the world Weir created, more space for Gosling’s performance, and more opportunity for the directors to bring the book’s thrilling narrative to life.
