Bob Mondello

No, that's thumbs down.

We do the thumbs up.

It's close enough.

And exit polls say 85% of those who've seen Project Hail Mary would recommend it to a friend, suggesting it'll continue to soar for a few more weeks at least.

Bob Mondello, NPR News.

The story of an alien encounter during a long-shot trip to save the Earth from extinction seems to be morphing into a tool to save Hollywood from extinction.

I think you mean go time, pal.

Project Hail Mary will take in more than $80 million in North America this weekend, easily the best opening of 2026.

Oh, my God.

It's also doing extremely well overseas.

Its worldwide total through Sunday night will top $140 million.

No, that's thumbs down.

We do the thumbs up.

It's close enough.

And exit polls say 85% of those who've seen Project Hail Mary would recommend it to a friend, suggesting it'll continue to soar for a few more weeks at least.

Bob Mondello, NPR News.

Project Hail Mary is not a sequel or a remake.

It's not animated or about superheroes, video games or toys.

I'm several light years from my apartment and I'm not an astronaut.

And yet film industry analysts were predicting a week ago that the Ryan Gosling film might open to as much as $50 million.