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Project Hail Mary’ Becomes Breakout Hit as Sequel Hopes Hinge on Andy Weir

Any follow-up will depend on the author delivering new material.

Overview

  • Following last weekend's $80.5 million North American debut, global ticket sales topped roughly $150 million, marking Amazon MGM’s biggest opening of 2026 and one of the strongest non-franchise starts in years.
  • The studio is interested in more, but reporting from THR and others says any sequel decision rests on Andy Weir’s timeline and the movie’s staying power at the box office.
  • In India, the film opened Thursday with few IMAX slots as local hit Dhurandhar 2 held premium screens, then exhibitors added extra large-format shows after online pushback and late negotiations.
  • Reviews and audience scores remain very high, with Rotten Tomatoes ratings reported around 95% from critics and 96% from viewers, signaling strong word of mouth.
  • Author Andy Weir praised the adaptation for dropping a book-only “coma gene” device, calling the change an improvement that streamlines how the hero boards the mission.