Ryan Gosling’s “Project Hail Mary” is tracking for a massive $80 million+ domestic opening and over $144 million globally, the biggest launch of 2026 so far. It’s also a new record for Amazon MGM Studios, just as Lucasfilm prepares to send him into a galaxy far, far away in “Star Wars: Starfighter.”
The strong early box office for the Andy Weir adaptation is raising an intriguing question: could this non-franchise sci-fi hit be the blueprint “Star Wars” desperately needs after years of misfires, collapsing toy sales, and overall brand fatigue?
Project Hail Mary’s Breakout Box Office
Ryan Gosling plays a middle-school science teacher thrust into a desperate solo mission to save humanity in this adaptation of Andy Weir’s bestselling novel.
Critics and early audiences are responding well, with the film earning strong word-of-mouth and a CinemaScore that could support a long theatrical run.
It’s being hailed as one of the best uses of theatrical distribution by a streamer yet, proving that original sci-fi with a big star can still pack theaters when executed right.
Ryan Gosling in “Star Wars: Starfighter” – A Standalone Story with High Hopes
Gosling’s involvement in “Star Wars: Starfighter” was confirmed in 2025, with production now underway in the UK under director Shawn Levy (“Deadpool & Wolverine”, “Stranger Things”).
The film is a standalone adventure set roughly five to six years after “The Rise of Skywalker”, not tied directly to the Skywalker saga.
The full cast includes Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams.
Levy and Kathleen Kennedy are producing, with Gosling also serving as an executive producer.
Gosling has said the project finally felt “right” after years of avoiding big franchises, praising Levy’s vision and the script.
Release is set for May 28, 2027 — giving “Project Hail Mary’s” success time to build Gosling’s sci-fi credentials even further.
Star Wars Needs a Win – Recent Misfires and Modest Tracking for “The Mandalorian & Grogu”
The franchise has been in a rough patch.
“The Acolyte” was canceled after one season amid mixed reviews and backlash. “Solo: A Star Wars Story” underperformed at the box office. The sequel trilogy remains deeply divisive for many fans. Even some Disney+ series have struggled with consistency.
“The Mandalorian & Grogu”, the first theatrical “Star Wars” film in years (May 22, 2026), is essentially a feature-length extension of the hit series.
Early tracking is modest at best — some projections put it under $400 million domestically, which would be considered a disappointment given the budget and expectations.
Marketing has been light so far, and there’s concern it feels more like a TV movie on the big screen than a true event film.
Toy Sales Tell the Bigger Picture of Brand Freefall
While Galaxy’s Edge has seen mixed attendance in some periods, most “Star Wars” fans aren’t regular Disney parkgoers — the parks are a footnote.
The real story is in box office and toy sales.
Hasbro has reported ongoing declines in “Star Wars” toy and merchandise revenue in 2025–2026, with partner brands and Vintage Collection lines underperforming and liquidations increasing. Ollies only has room for so much unsold “Star Wars” crap.
Secondary-market prices have stabilized or dropped in some segments.
This reflects broader audience fatigue and pricing pressures that have priced out middle-class fans.
Why the Brand Feels Like It’s in Freefall
Rising ticket and park prices have priced out some middle-class fans.
Recent storytelling has drawn criticism for feeling preachy or inconsistent to portions of the audience.
Meanwhile, Universal’s Epic Universe opening in 2025 has generated massive hype and drawn attention (and visitors) away from Disney parks in some markets.
“Star Wars” needs to win back casual fans who drifted away. A successful “Mandalorian & Grogu” would help, but “Starfighter” — with Gosling’s proven box-office draw — could be the true reset the franchise needs.
Why “Project Hail Mary’s” Success Could Be a Blueprint
Gosling’s star power, combined with strong source material, smart marketing, and a compelling original story, is driving “Project Hail Mary’s” breakout numbers.
It proves that non-franchise sci-fi can still dominate when it delivers spectacle, heart, and word-of-mouth. For “Starfighter”, that could be a positive sign.
A standalone story with Gosling front and center, directed by the reliable Shawn Levy, has the potential to feel fresh and accessible — exactly what the franchise needs after years of internal division and audience fatigue.
If “Project Hail Mary” continues its strong run, it could reassure Lucasfilm that big-screen “Star Wars” still has broad appeal when done right.
“Project Hail Mary” is proving that original sci-fi with the right star and story can still pack theaters in 2026.
For “Star Wars”, coming off a string of misfires, declining toy sales, and overall brand fatigue, that success could be the perfect blueprint — and a much-needed Hail Mary — as Ryan Gosling prepares to suit up in “Starfighter.”
The galaxy may be watching.
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