Andy Weir has become something of a superstar in the world of hard science fiction, proving that apparently there is an audience for people solving incredibly complicated scientific problems while floating around in space! His novel THE MARTIAN became a hugely successful motion picture, and now another of Weir’s beloved books, PROJECT HAIL MARY, has made the leap from the printed page to the big screen. So, naturally, it’s time for Dark Discussions Podcast to strap itself into the spaceship and take a look!

From IMDb: “A science teacher wakes up alone on a spaceship. As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing Earth’s sun, and realizes that an unexpected friendship may be the key.” The film was co-directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, with the screenplay penned by Drew Goddard, who also adapted THE MARTIAN. Ryan Gosling takes the lead role, delivering a performance that has earned plenty of praise—and he may even have to share a little of the spotlight with a potential breakout character who isn’t named Gosling!

Released in the United States on March 20, 2026, PROJECT HAIL MARY went on to become a genuine box-office success, earning roughly three times its budget while receiving absolutely phenomenal reactions from both critics and audiences. So, has Andy Weir struck science-fiction gold yet again? Fire up the engines, check your oxygen supply, and listen on as your co-hosts dive into PROJECT HAIL MARY and give their thoughts!