Project Hail Mary | New Sci-Fi Book to Movie Adaptation | What We Know

[@numberMan2000]

The audiobook is absolutely amazing. Ray Porter is the narrator and he's an absolute treasure. I would definitely read/listen to the book prior. I wouldn't worry about what you're worried about. This is such a good book and such a good audiobook.

[@Travlinmo]

I definitely had the same lore to movie issue with Dune, but here it’s one movie, not a saga? I have not read this but will get it done now.

[@anydaynow01]

Agreed, they did a great job with the audiobook, definitely changed my head canon on a few things since the performance was done so well!

[@justmindingmyown]

I could not agree more, Ray Porter is so good in everything he narrates, Bob...sigh...maybe they'll do those books on film next!! ;)

[@forlornd]

@@justmindingmyownAgreed. Ray Porter and R.C. Bray are probably my two favorite narrators

[@NickCookOnTheNet]

Yup, the audiobook is superb. Had me absolutely hooked, instant scifi classic.

[@talideon]

I'm looking forward to how they end up realising Rocky on screen more than anything!

[@matthewk4930]

YES! YES! What Rocky CGI looks like very important!

[@matthewk4930]

In all seriousness, read this book or rather listen to the audiobook. And narration on the audiobook is amazing. And conveys emotion that simply can’t be conveyed by reading the book. I can’t stress this enough. Listen to the audiobook yesterday. This is an amazing amazing amazing story.

[@ballroomdru]

How they do Rocky will be so important. And yes, the audio book is necessary. I read the boom and listened to it several months later. The audiobook is amazing.

[@Cookie_dough_eater]

​@@matthewk4930 I love how you said amazing 3 times just like Rocky would

[@andrewpark9018]

@@Cookie_dough_eater AMAZE!!!

[@Yggdrasil42]

'Read' the audiobook. It's so well narrated! You will cry. Don't wait for the film.

[@jonshellmusic]

Yes, and read it now. That way you will have forgotten enough details by the time it comes out not to be disappointed by what was left out of the book or changed. That’s my big problem with book adaptations. They are rarely completely faithful.

[@justthinking5091]

It totally does make you cry! Even after my third listen....

[@Adamk24]

One of the best scifi books I've read in the last decade. I could not be more hyped for this.

[@dredeth]

Including The Expanse novels?

[@RickinMaryland]

Agreed. It's embarrassing it didn't win the 2022 Hugo for Best Novel. History will look back scratching its collective head on this one.

[@stevenwojtysiak6392]

Both this and Seveneves by Neal Stephenson, being directed by Ron Howard and expected to be released next year are things I'm looking forward to.

[@wizmo57]

@@stevenwojtysiak6392 oh shit i didnt hear about Seveneves film adapt, thats gonna be a real tough one to do properly. how they gonna do 3000+ years ? i remain skeptical yet optimistic. id be more excited if you told me it was Dennis

[@thombendtsen399]

Read the book. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. The movie will be the movie may be good, may be bad, but the book is great so don’t wait.

[@kukaratza]

Audiobook it's a must too.

[@Cookie_dough_eater]

It is by far my favorite book. I hope they don't make Rocky too scary looking so I can watch the movie with my kids

[@Benzo4801]

​@@kukaratzathe audio book was awesome

[@rerskins]

I rarely comment on KZbin, but I owe it to Andy Weir and Ray Porter to make this comment. I agree with others that the audiobook is excellent, I’ve listened to it at least three times already and will probably do so many times before the film is released. I also listened to The Martian many times before that film was released. In my opinion the changes made from book-to-film were understandable and necessary in some respects. I can watch it and it takes nothing away from enjoying either medium. Read Project Hail Mary, you will only enjoy the movie more.

[@christopherflux6254]

The book is excellent

[@theterminaldave]

It will be quite a feat to communicate all of the science that the book conveys in a very lighthearted way. I'm surprised this wasn't a series instead of a film. Personally having read the book, it'll be interesting to see how they portray all the things I visualized.

[@FeralRabbit]

@@theterminaldaveI always pictured The Martian as a TV series. Each episode like a weekly update.

[@theterminaldave]

@@FeralRabbit that's a really cool idea.

[@margaretinglese403]

Yes it was excellent

[@Ken_G.]

Yes it was. I get a kick out of seeing all the comments about "reading" the audio book. I love Weir's books. Artemis was one of the closest to a Heinlein novel I've read. That being said, each one is pretty much about one person surviving alone with some minimal backup in varying degrees. It's a great theme, but dude needs to go out and have a drink with some friends or something.

[@JJ-oq7tm]

READ THE BOOK, OR LISTEN TO THE AUDIO BOOK. THE STORY IS ABSOLUTELY AMUSING, THE CHARACTER BUILDING IS FANTASTIC. Andy Weir is a primer author. Well written, well researched top notch book.

[@SmittyHalibut]

My new favorite character of ANY BOOK EVER is in this book. You know who I mean. Yes yes yes!

[@william207able]

Yes yes yes Jazz hands!

[@DeyanKostov]

Bump my fist

[@kareemmohamed888]

❤❤❤❤

[@KeytarArgonian]

Honestly I love him. I hope he becomes a staple of Sci Fi buddies!

[@zlozlozlo]

GOOD GOOD GOOD!

[@KeytarArgonian]

*YES YES YES! HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!’* - Jazz Hands Intensifies!

[@NerdCookies]

Thank you for watching this video! If you enjoy my content, please consider supporting me on PATREON: www.patreon.com/nerdcookies

[@lyledal]

All I can say is that it is a *really* good book!

[@lab483]

Loved the book even more than The Martian, fingers crossed for this one.

[@RickinMaryland]

Project Hail Mary is above all, a book. So yes, read the book. I especially recommend the audio version.

[@gritz1701]

I read that book last year. OMG it was fantastic. Hope the movie is close to the story, I am looking forward. Thanks for the info.

[@bfg9k_]

You've convinced me. Starting the audiobook tomorrow. I'm such a Greg Fraser fanboy

[@DoroteoVilla]

You will not regret it. You'll laugh, you'll cry.

[@kennyb123]

The audiobook will blow you away. You'll know exactly why once you get to the part that is SO GOOD.

[@DoroteoVilla]

@@kennyb123 🎼🎶🎵 amaze amaze

[@kennyb123]

@@DoroteoVilla yes yes yes

[@williamhosford2796]

You will NOT be disappointed,my friend.

[@matt_313]

The book is excellent. The audio book is even better. Don't wait for the film!

[@LyzeOfJ]

Having read the book and listened to the audiobook, Ray Porter does such an amazing job at the narration that I truly believe it is the best way to experience PHM, especially for the first time. I would say listen to it first, then read it, then go see the movie.

[@wk8219]

This is fantastic. Right after the book came out I remember hearing Andy Weir on a podcast talking about his new book. The story sounded great. I look forward to seeing this eventually.

[@MickyChowMein69]

When I was a kid I saw a great film called Robinson Crusoe on Mars. I love those sort of films now. Like The Martian. Cheers

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

It's available on DVD.

[@Pete...NoNotThatOne]

Man, I remember that film! They swallowed the little silver pills which gave them oxygen,,and every once in a while his capsule,would fly by overhead. Been thirty years since I last saw it. Must see if I can stream it somewhere.

[@danblanks3190]

While I am not a big Ryan Gosling fan, I am heartened with the talent they are bringing to bear on making the movie. And while the book was good, there were some slow parts that could have been trimmed out that I expect will be glossed over in the movie to its benefit. As for whether or not you should read the book before seeing the movie...the book is so good, I can't recommend waiting for the movie. As mentioned by others, the audio book is also excellent, one of the best audio adaptations I've ever heard. You will enjoy either experience.

[@KenDusek]

Needs to be a series. It's so good

[@edvolve]

Audiobook all the way! The narrator is absolutely amazing. Brings the whole thing to life like no other audiobook I’ve heard. Pretty amazing.

[@RoseBaggins]

I got the book for my mom for Christmas and she finished it within a week. She mostly heard my brother's voice for the majority of the book, as he has that style of humor, but there was one scene where she understood why Ryan Gosling was chosen. So, up to you to read or watch first. My mom and brothers read The Martian before watching the movie, and we all enjoyed it. If Project Hail Mary is done the same way, it wouldn't matter if you read or watched it first.

[@DividedGod]

As someone who loved the book I strongly recommend you to wait for the movie lol. This one truly is about the situations the characters are in and the clever (sometimes genius) solutions they find to survive and complete their mission, not really much lore or deep philosophy to extract from it. I've read in the year it was published and many details I already forgot so I hope to have some surprises and real tension watching it!

[@rebeccabeebe3975]

I highly recommend that you read the book or listen to it before the movie. I'm almost done with it and rarely have I looked forward to my reading time more! It's hard to put down. Don't wait for the movie, read it now!

[@ET-qz8rp]

Just on my third read of this “amaze” book 😎 Rocky is such a cool little dude , can’t wait to see the film ,, “ jazz hands”

[@KatharineOsborne]

Everyone is going to love Rocky 😄

[@AsparagusX]

I definitely recommend the audiobook if you decide to read it!

[@southtexasatlatl]

Listened to the audio book a couple years ago, so good, such a great story, can't wait for the movie!

[@Ryukachoo]

I really hope the trailer is do not spoil the reveal of the best side character ever, but I'm absolutely sure they will

[@FrenchCelt]

I read The Martian a few years after watching the movie and it was a blast, because while I remembered the overall story and specific moments here and there, I had forgotten enough that the movie wasn't overshadowing the reading experience. The book impressed me so much that I immediately jumped to Project Hail Mary, which I also liked quite a bit. I then read Artemis, which wasn't as good as either, but still enjoyable, and I think could make a good movie as well. The team behind PHM is pretty strong, so I have high hopes for another great Weir adaptation.

[@ChristineMacDonald-l9k]

I read the book as soon as I heard it was coming to the screen, so I wouldn’t be disappointed by necessary changes in the adaptation. . So glad I did! It was fabulous. I would highly recommend reading before seeing the film. Just sooner rather than later. Years ago, I finished the last pages of “Hunt for Red October” in the theater parking lot. I hated the film because so much that was fresh in my mind was changed or deleted. But with nearly two years to go, I will be able to enjoy this adaptation. I will even have time to re-read it. .

[@loganastrup6870]

I'm over halfway through the book and loving it so much. It's hard to put down. This has quickly become one of my most anticipated movies!

[@catherinedwyer3009]

Listen to the audiobook. Narrator Ray Porter is brilliant

[@rockelino]

Just listened to the Audiobook. What an amazing story!

[@televation]

i had no idea this was the creative team behind the film. the book was fantastic, now i’m super excited for this adaptation. thanks for the video!

[@reddeltaseven]

This will be my 4th time listening to the book. I can't wait for the movie to come out. I'm so excited !

[@vdog22100]

This book is one of my all time favorites, I am so excited! I would read the book but I can see the case of waiting for the movie. love your videos!

[@WilliamLaird64]

I can vouch for the audio book listening experience! Absolutely amazing! 2026 is a long way off. You will love and appreciate the story. I listened to the story in the car on my way to and from work for an hour each way and found myself not wanting to inside when I reached my destination! It’s that good and the story just sucks you in! I believe it will be difficult to get all the essential parts into the film from the story so I believe it’s essential to understand all the components of the story beforehand. Just my 2 cents!

[@Hila_G]

I've just finished the book today, and enjoyed it very much. Looking forward to the movie adaptation, in hopes that it wouldn't dissapoint. I'd recommend reading first, because the amount of details and scientific stuff there was uncredible, and I believe they'll have to cut a lot of it for the movie. So I'd definitely want to have the full background in case the script takes a leap too big while cutting some stuff out, and ends up creating holes or parts that aren't comprehensive. The adaptation the "The Martian" was good, so I hope they do this book justice as well. I'm glad to hear that such a talented cinematographer is involved, the visual aspect is going to be very important in this movie, even though a lot of it will probably be CGI (space and alien planets). Thanks for the video!

[@mitchellguerrerio]

Listen to the audiobook it’s great

[@valecrassus7835]

Came here thinking Project Hail Mary would be the name of Disney's release schedule for the next few years.

[@eeknud]

You made my day😂

[@taerog]

Listened to the audiobook multiple times.. and my wife has far surpassed me. It's just great, and especially a character, and the buddy movie that happens is a large part. Making it both similar and very different from the Martian. I think either way would work.. but I like giving my own imagination a go before having the look dictated for me no matter how good it is.

[@jayemzc]

Hey. Listening to Project Hail Mary for the second time. I'd recommend it - either read or listened. As numberman2000 says Ray porter does a great job conveying Ryland Grace as a tenacious and capable protagonist. There's also considerable humour in the story and this is something I think Ryan Gosling would easily be able to carry off. Looking forward to seeing it in on the big screen.

[@etnelso]

Andy and Ray are a fantastic duo. Love the book!

[@simonhoby2485]

I am torn. I saw the Martian movie first and like it, but also realized that they had to skip out a lot of the science to get the movie done. SOoooo... I decided to circle back and read the book. There is a LOT more content in the book and Andy Weir does explain all of the science too. Because of the depth of the Martian book, I decided to just go ahead and read Project Hail Mary - twice! I really enjoyed the book and will be quite excited to see the movie, whenever it finally appears.

[@yvesabdurahman5045]

This is great news, great article Nerd

[@yvesabdurahman5045]

Definitely listen to the audiobook. It’s brilliantly read by Ray Porter & suspenseful

[@LordLawwritesforfans]

Nice keep up the good work Nerd Cookies.

[@keegan7394]

Definitely read the book, I just finished it about 2 hours ago and it’s sooooo good. Jazz hands!

[@gdnh]

you just got me so excited for this

[@GaryMetzker]

Don’t wait. Read the book. It’s awesome

[@neanderthal1336]

I would really regret not reading (read and listened to audiobook) before. Super glad I did.

[@wiinterflowers95]

I like Ryan Gosling (absolutely *LOVED* The Fall Guy) and I couldn't get him out of my head when I read parts of the book. I heard he dropped out of the Wolf Man remake to do this film and I love the Martian!

[@Quantuman]

I just read the book just now and came across this video.... I really have high expectations for the movie right now.

[@Porco1984]

I'm so hyped! Loved the book, such a fun read. I think you should read it first. It's mostly character driven (like the Martian) and the kind of story that probably wouldn't be ruined if it was rewritten a bit for a movie.

[@johnlancaster84]

Oh my, I loved this book! Oh, I hope they don't screw it up!

[@chargingrhino5636]

Definitely read the book first! It won't take anything away from the film. 😎👍

[@marktime48]

You should definitely read the book. I enjoyed it a little more than reading The Martian, even.

[@D1zzyPerson]

IM SO EXCITED FOR ROCKY 💗

[@BlakeBaker16]

Best book I've ever read. You must read it so you can speculate about who they will cast in an unannounced character role.

[@Joshua_Pendragon]

Project Hail Mary may be my favorite book I’ve ever read

[@seanroddy4084]

I like reading the book after seeing the film, it jump starts my imagination.

[@chuckflamingo4275]

I know I am late to this video but Listen Listen Listen to the audiobook first. It's an absolute blast. After listening to first chapter, I can't imagine anyone else but Lord and Miller directing this movie. They are a perfect fit and I couldn't be more hyped for the movie.

[@juliannuss123]

Read the book as soon as you can! I feel it will help with some of the science stuff. Great book.

[@MarkWelpman]

Absolutely read the book. I hope the movie adequately portrays the emotion of the book. It is one of the best books I've read in years.

[@matthewk4930]

AMAZE!! AMAZE!! YES!! YES!!

[@richard-hawley]

I cried buckets reading the book, never done that before. Moments of great sorrow and joy are to be had. I'm not sure i would want to be out through that watching it in a movie theatre. The audiobook performance is first rate. I think if i had to choose how to experience the story for the first time, I'd go with the audiobook mentioned by others here.

[@Ldv1969cts5]

I have a novel idea. I’m a writer, and a big sci-fi nerd. Have been since I picked up Clarke’s Childhoods End when I was 10 in 1961. Here’s my idea. As a writer, when I’m writing , I imagine who I would cast if it ever got a movie deal. I think that Andy Weir given the success of the Martian movie, had this is mind while writing. First, Ryland Grace equals Ryan Gosling. He named Stratt, first name Eva which is Goslings wife first name. Also the first Oscar nom for Gosling was Half Nelson where he played a middle school teacher very well liked by his students just like Grace. Then there’s Rocky. In interviews Gosling has talked a great deal about liking Sylvester Stallone, although a case could be made that Grace called him that because of his appearance. Then there is the fact that Gosling is a master of rizz - he could have it with a doorknob. And he likes to play loners who when things get tough steps up to the plate even though he might not want to initially. My conjecture is Weir was signally through these things he had Gosling in mind when he was writing this knowing it might never happen. Just too many coincidences to explain it away. Or maybe it’s fate - that this casting was meant to be all along. Another interesting aspect is that gosling is not only a serious actor but great at comedy too which ties into this novel. Just some thoughts I picked up while reading. I think he will be perfect as Grace. 2026 is a while away, but cannot wait to see this movie since I loved the book so much. Yes he played Ken, and that casting was Gerwigs first choice all along and though he said no quite a few times, he did it for his little girls and ticked some people off. And basically hijacked that movie. No one could have pulled that off but him. He’s a very unique actor. So yes excited and you should definitely read the book.

[@richardstrange8367]

You must definitely read the book. It’s absolutely incredible!

[@amritpedersen4532]

Bought the book and have read it at least three times. Well worth reading it as the film will be different, obviously! II'm intreagued to see how the film deals with his internal monologue and how they give voice to Rocky. For me, how Rocky is portrayed is key

[@marknovak6498]

Read it, it makes the experience richer for me.

[@timskinnercanada]

Thanks for highlighting this! I didn’t know the film was in the works. Definitely read the book first. I too am super stoked to hear Greig Fraser is involved. Kind of Gosling’d out but I suppose he is an excellent choice. Jake Gyllenhaal might have been a good choice.

[@danamassie]

I love this book. It makes sense to read the book after seeing the movie, right? Then you will not be disappointed. Your own mind creates its own images when you read the book, and we are often disappointed by the movie when it does not match our own images. But the book is so good! I will read it again before seeing the movie for sure.

[@AtlanticPicture]

I know people usually focus on the stars and director, but I’ve started noticing the names in the credits of some movies I really liked (The Martian, Dune 1 & 2, Blade Runner 2049). I was excited to see that many of these visually stunning films were partly shot in Hungary with Hungarian crews involved. It’s cool to think that while cost is a big factor, talented crews from all over the world, like those in Hungary, help make these movies run smoothly and look fantastic. On the book vs. movies debate, I vote for the book first. After all, the source comes first, and then we’ll see if the movie did it justice.

[@toddbarrera375]

I'm always a fan of reading the book after because it adds so much and if I see the move after I am usually disappointed because I have a vision of how it should be.

[@goldandsilveruk3268]

Love seeing Ray Porter getting love in the comments, im so excited for this film and I'm just putting it out there, Oscar nomination for Ryan Gosling.

[@meeks4756]

Definitely read the book first! That's usually my preference, but I can see why people would choose to watch the movie first or even instead of reading the book. In this case, the story takes some unexpected turns, and I love how they unfold in the book. You may not get the same experience out of a movie because they will definitely have to make a lot of concessions to keep movie viewers engaged. There are some huge differences between the book and movie versions of The Martian, for example. But both are excellent in their own ways! I read the audio version of Hail Mary and really enjoyed it. I'm excited for the movie!

[@lthomas63]

I would read the book, it’s definitely very well written, I think it would not be too hard to adapt into a film, and I always enjoy seeing how close my imagination while reading the book matches what they actually put into a film.

[@lukenuetzmann]

Once again, the novel would be better severed as a mini-series. I prefer to read the book first, that way I can occasionally get chills when I see a scene on screen that previously only lived in my mind.

[@willard39]

Read it. It's so good. I really dug it. I hope that cinematographer works in Rendezvous with Rama. I was excited to see Villenueve was attached. This guy would make it look amazing.

[@phild8095]

Read the book, you want to turn the pages to see what happens more than you want to sit and watch. The book is that great.

[@colinl2908]

The book is great and has an interesting switch up. Well worth a read/listen.

[@christopheraquino9214]

Reading the book will reveal plot points. That being said, reading the book first always enhances the movie (for me) I am a died in the wool, card carrying staunch movie lover who likes to read. When I read Project Hail Mary, my first thought was, I can't wait to see the movie. There are certain books that you just know will be movies someday. Arthur C. Clark's Rendezvous With Rama will be a film some day. Books and film are such different mediums that one only enhances the other. At least, it does for me..

[@jarkmodels]

Yes, read the book. It’s fantastic! I’ve read it twice already and even knowing the plot didn’t diminishes the second reading so I don’t think it will spoil the movie (at least that was the case for me when watching the Martian) I can’t wait for this movie! Cheers

[@vonpredator]

Oomph tough call…. I listened to the audiobook of the Martian before I saw the movie, and was very pleasantly surprised, at how faithful the screenplay was. If the same writers are involved, it should be another banger!

[@qontoh2s872]

I try to read the book before seeing the movie. I've been doing it that way since Alien and the Shining. More recently with The Expanse. I enjoy seeing how writers change characters/dialogue... entire scenes and how my own thoughts interpret what I've read and imagined vs. whats on the screen.

[@EveretteMP]

The book is really good, but I get wanting to wait, too, and for the same reasons you stated for Dune Pt. 2. I read The Martian after seeing the film, but I enjoyed it so much that I then went and read Project Hail Mary. However, there's almost always more to the story in the book than in the movie, so I tend to enjoy the movie more if I see it before I read the book. I'm hoping they do as good of a job adapting this as they did with The Martian.

[@edvolve]

Audiobook all the way. It is the best narrated book I’ve heard yet.

[@Ken_Tyner]

I will say this, the book is definitely worth reading. I like consulting the original source before watching an adaptation. I like making the comparisons.

[@rwj_dk]

Having read the book myself, I would wait based on what I know... The events throughout the story are something best left for visual exploration

[@fatjay9402]

I love rhe book.. i hope it will be good

[@maneotis4g63t]

I wonder how they’re going to do the alien. It’s a weird creature as described by the book

[@frankharris7330]

Spoiler alert!

[@nickmf22]

Boohoo ​@@frankharris7330

[@maneotis4g63t]

@@frankharris7330 whoops my bad! I wrote this before she said in the vid that she hasn’t read it

[@frankharris7330]

@@maneotis4g63t 😂 that’s totally something I would do lol

[@MikeB-tw2nb]

Audiobook is a must!

[@baanibarnes9711]

Oooooh, looking forward to this! I have read the book and I thought it very original and a brave move to depict a truly alien species with it's toxic atmosphere requirements and the issues with communication, this film could be awesome. Hope it matches up to my expectations and no, don't read the book as it is invariably a distraction watching a film when you know the book so well. Read the book later.

[@DoroteoVilla]

I've reread the book and this will be the best movie of the year.

[@frankharris7330]

Read it! Project Hail Mary is not Dune. It’s definitely more on the hard Sci-fi end of stories, where Dune more philosophical and mystical Sci-fi…. But look who I’m talking to lol. Very different realms. I’d be interested in seeing you do a video review of the book, and definitely on what he finds out there in the cosmos. 😉

[@martinjrgensen8234]

The book is very interesting, so I am looking forward to this

[@SeppukuOH]

I've read the book. You'll LOVE it whether you read it before or after!

[@RNMSC]

The real advantage of reading the book before seeing the movie is that you're not waiting on some producer or financer to decide that, well, yeah we got it recorded, but we can't afford the SFX, or the editing, or the foley work or.. or.. or.. well, we really don't think the audience is going to enjoy the movie because someone watching the dailies fell asleep because it didn't have enough explosions or lasers, or ... If you read the book, especially with this level of lead time, you get to enjoy the story as the writer crafted it, or the reader presented it (for the audio version) and if the movie makes it to it's release date, you get to see what the director and producers of the movie made of the story as well. The variation isn't a bad thing, it just means you get to learn how someone else saw a story you've learned.

[@michaelryan4531]

I for one read the books after. I like to be wowed by the effects and actors coming together.

[@michaelryan4531]

Ty 😄