This week, the science fiction blockbuster Project Hail Mary comes out. Based on the book of the same title by Andy Weir, the movie shows promise of being the best science fiction movie of the year, and in the running for the best of the decade. While the book it’s based on, as well as the trailers and early critic reviews show promise in this regard, what gives me the most confidence in this is the incredibly talented lineup of people involved in the movie. 

The most recognizable person in this list is Ryan Gosling, of course. Playing Dr. Ryland Grace, the stranded amnesiac scientist in the film, he has by far the largest job amongst the actors in the role. While I’m not quite part of the “He’s literally me” crowd, I think he’s a strong and reliable actor, who delivered an especially fantastic performance in Bladerunner 2049. I’m used to seeing him play brooding loners, but I expect that a more upbeat loner like Dr. Ryland Grace isn’t outside his wheelhouse. 

But some of the strongest talents working on the project are behind the camera. The directors, Phil Lord, and Christopher Miller, co-directed the Lego Movie, and Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse, in addition to many other films. From the few shots we get in the trailer, I expect a lot of dramatic and well-composed shots. Another veteran of the Spiderverse films is composer Daniel Pemberton, who also composed for several Black Mirror episodes, the Trial of the Chicago Seven, and over 150 other movies and TV shows. I expect the theme we heard in the trailer is the same level of intensity and quality that we’ll hear in the rest of the film.

The screenwriter for the film, Drew Goddard, was also the writer for the other Andy Weir blockbuster: The Martian. Given the thematic and plot similarities of that story—that of solving complex problem after complex problem with science and ingenuity—he seems like an apt choice for a writer. Though much of the lines in the Martian came from the book, of course, I found the dialogue there to be sharp and witty.  

Though the book and trailer alone were plenty to make the movie an eager watch for me, the quality of cast and crew on the project gives me even more faith that Project Hail Mary will be an outstanding film. What about you? Are you looking forward to the theater release of Project Hail Mary? Let us know in the comments below or head over to our Discord channel to join the conversation.

Featured Image Credit: Amazon MGM Studios