LOS ANGELES: The film Project Hail Mary exceeded expectations with a strong opening weekend, delivering one of the biggest debuts for an original movie in recent years.
The sci-fi drama earned approximately $80.5 million to $80.6 million in the United States, while adding $60.4 million from international markets, taking its global opening total to around $141 million.
The performance is particularly notable as Project Hail Mary is not part of an established franchise, a rarity in an industry where major openings are typically driven by sequels or existing intellectual properties.
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film is based on the novel by Andy Weir and follows a school teacher who wakes up alone aboard a spaceship tasked with saving Earth.
Studio Amazon MGM Studios hailed the opening as a significant milestone, underscoring its ability to compete with traditional Hollywood studios.
With strong audience response and growing international momentum, industry analysts expect the film to sustain its performance and potentially emerge as one of the year’s top box office successes.