Project Hail Mary is an upcoming American science fiction adventure film set to hit theaters on March 20, 2026. The film is adapted from the bestselling 2021 novel of the same name by Andy Weir, the author behind The Martian. In this space drama, the famous duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller produce and direct it. Drew Goddard wrote the script.
The story is about Ryan Gosling‘s character, astronaut Ryland Grace, who wakes up on a strange spaceship and has no idea who he is or why he’s there. As his memory returns, he realizes he is the lone survivor of a mission bound for the Tau Ceti solar system—humanity’s last hope to stop a global catastrophe. The cast also features Sandra Hüller, Milana Vayntrub, Lionel Boyce, and Ken Leung.
Where Was Project Hail Mary Filmed?
Principal photography for Project Hail Mary officially began on June 3, 2024, and concluded on October 26, 2024. The entire shoot took place in the United Kingdom, using both historical and modern scientific locations to give the film an authentic look. Academy Award winner Greig Fraser is in charge of the cinematography. He is known for his work on Dune and Rogue One.
LET’S GOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/mRlf3rpccF
— Christopher Miller (@chrizmillr) June 3, 2024
Inside the Filming Locations
1. South Parade Pier – Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England
One of the key Earth-based scenes was shot at the South Parade Pier in Southsea. . This seaside building on the southern coast of England made for a dramatic background that is probably Ryland Grace’s home or a memory from Earth. The long wooden deck and iconic structure of the pier stand out against the clear water and darkness of space, visually connecting Grace’s past to his present state of solitude. During filming in the middle of 2024, the area around the pier was closed off for a few days. This brought in curious fans and local media.
2. Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory – Lords Bridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
Another prominent location used in the film is the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory near Cambridge. This historic scientific site belongs to the University of Cambridge and has been a center for astronomical research for decades. In Project Hail Mary, it likely serves as a stand-in for the research facilities involved in detecting the cosmic threat or developing the interstellar mission. The observatory’s large satellite dishes and quiet rural surroundings added realism to the film’s Earth-based scientific scenes.
Behind the Scenes Insights
The production used a mix of practical sets and advanced visual effects, with many of the spaceship interiors built on soundstages in the UK. The filmmakers aimed to ground the film’s futuristic plot in reality by choosing authentic, science-related filming locations. Director Christopher Miller shared several behind-the-scenes updates on social media, including shots of the observatory and coastline during production, giving fans a glimpse into the making of this ambitious space epic.
From coastal piers to renowned research centers, the locations used in Project Hail Mary reflect the film’s central theme—Earth’s connection to the cosmos and one man’s journey to save it.
Official Trailer
For more filming location news and behind-the-scenes updates from your favorite movies and TV shows, visit netfilming.com.
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