Milana Vayntrub has officially joined the cast of Amazon MGM Studios’ highly anticipated film, Project Hail Mary. The announcement, made by Deadline, confirms that Vayntrub will star alongside Ryan Gosling and Sandra Hüller in this sci-fi adventure. The film is directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, based on the novel by Andy Weir, who also wrote The Martian.
The screenplay for Project Hail Mary is crafted by Drew Goddard. The production team is a powerhouse, featuring Amy Pascal via Pascal Pictures, Ryan Gosling via General Admission, Lord, Miller, and Aditya Sood via Lord Miller, and Rachel O’Connor via Pascal Pictures. Andy Weir is also involved in the production.
Project Hail Mary revolves around middle school science teacher Ryland Grace, portrayed by Gosling, who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of his identity or how he got there. He must complete a critical mission to save Earth from an astronomical catastrophe. Along the way, he encounters a mysterious alien who is on a similar mission to save its own species.
The film will be shot in IMAX and is slated for a wide theatrical release on March 20, 2026. The cinematography will be handled by Oscar-winning DP Greig Fraser, known for his work on Dune. Executive producers include Lucy Kitada and Nikki Baida via Lord Miller, Drew Goddard, Sarah Esberg, Ken Kao, and Patty Whitcher.
Vayntrub’s recent work includes starring alongside Kyra Sedgwick in the comedy Bad Shabbos, which premiered at this year’s Tribeca Festival and won the audience award. She co-wrote, directed, and starred in the short film Pickled Herring, currently streaming on Omeleto, and launched the podcast Your Mom is a Podcast with comedian Sandeep Parikh.
Her acting credits are extensive, featuring roles in Kevin Hart’s Die Hart, Paul Feig’s Other Space, HBO’s Silicon Valley, NBC’s This Is Us, Netflix’s Love, Showtime’s Californication, IFC Films’ Werewolves Within, Fox’s Ghostbusters, and Netflix’s A Futile & Stupid Gesture. She also voiced Squirrel Girl in Marvel Rising: Initiation.
Vayntrub, represented by Artists First, is well-known for her role as Lily in the AT&T ad campaign, having appeared in over 40 spots since 2013. She has also directed various national and regional commercials and written for Robot Chicken and CollegeHumor Originals.
The addition of Vayntrub to the cast of Project Hail Mary adds another layer of excitement to an already star-studded lineup. With a compelling storyline, a talented cast, and a top-notch production team, the film is poised to be a major hit when it hits theaters in 2026.
