Release Date Shift for Project Hail Mary to Avoid Clash with Indian Films

The release of 'Project Hail Mary', featuring Ryan Gosling, has been postponed to April 3, 2026, to avoid clashing with two significant Indian films. This strategic move aims to secure more IMAX screens and enhance its box office potential. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film is based on Andy Weir's novel and has already received positive feedback from early screenings. With a projected opening weekend of $45 million to $55 million in the US, Hollywood is optimistic about its success. The film follows Dr. Ryland Grace on a critical mission to save humanity, promising an engaging cinematic experience.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 28, 2026, 22:25 IST

Project Hail Mary Adjusts Release Date

Globally, Project Hail Mary is set to hit theaters on March 20, 2026. However, to prevent competition with two major Indian releases, Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, the film starring Ryan Gosling has rescheduled its premiere to April 3, 2026. All three films were expected to compete for prime IMAX and Dolby screens during the March 20 weekend. The Indian films are slated for release a day earlier on March 19, coinciding with Eid festivities. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, Project Hail Mary has already garnered positive reviews from early screenings in the United States.

New Release Date for Project Hail Mary in India

An update from the film's social media account on X (formerly Twitter) confirmed the postponement of the sci-fi film's release in India. The PVR app also indicates that the Ryan Gosling feature will debut on April 3. The Hollywood production has strategically opted to avoid a direct showdown with the two Indian blockbusters, Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic, featuring Ranveer Singh and Yash, respectively.

Instead, Project Hail Mary will launch two weeks later, aiming to secure more IMAX screens for its showings in India. Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have announced that the film will be available in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and 70MM formats worldwide. In the US, the film is projected to earn between $45 million and $55 million during its opening weekend, with Hollywood anticipating it to be a major blockbuster of the year.

Details About Project Hail Mary

Based on Andy Weir’s novel, Project Hail Mary stars Ryan Gosling as Dr. Ryland Grace, a teacher turned astronaut tasked with a vital mission to save Earth from a dying sun. This mission is referred to as Hail Mary. The cast also includes Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, and Milana Vayntrub.

Written by Drew Goddard, the film follows Ryland Grace as he awakens on a spacecraft with no recollection of how he arrived there. During his journey, he forms an unexpected friendship with a character named Rocky. This adaptation is expected to attract not only fans of directors Lord and Miller and star Gosling but also those familiar with Weir’s work, particularly his previous novel, The Martian, which was successfully adapted into a film starring Matt Damon. Goddard also penned the screenplay for The Martian.