project hail mary lego

From Page to Plastic: The LEGO Project Hail Mary Set Lands Ahead of Ryan Gosling’s Sci-Fi Epic

The intersection of cinema and collectible building toys has produced some of the most sought-after releases in recent years. The latest buzz dominating the hobbyist community—and the broader entertainment landscape—is the official collaboration between LEGO and the upcoming sci-fi blockbuster, Project Hail Mary. In a move that surprised industry watchers and fans alike, the LEGO Group has unveiled a detailed microscale set based on the film’s interstellar spacecraft. This release arrives strategically just weeks before the movie’s theatrical debut, offering fans a tangible piece of the universe directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller.

For Canadian collectors and movie buffs, this announcement signals a new era of "day-and-date" merchandising for major film releases. While the movie itself is poised to be a cinematic highlight of 2026, the LEGO set provides an immediate way to engage with the story. As the hype builds toward the film's March 20 release date, the Project Hail Mary LEGO set serves as both a building challenge and a cultural artifact, bridging the gap between the pages of Andy Weir’s novel and the silver screen.

A Surprise Collaboration: The Official Reveal

In a unique marketing strategy, the LEGO Group chose to reveal the Project Hail Mary set alongside the film's final marketing push. The official announcement coincided with the debut of the movie's final trailer and a special "Big Game" spot, creating a multi-platform media event. This synchronization highlights the confidence both the toy manufacturer and the film studio have in the property's success.

According to reports from IGN, the set was revealed right before the final movie trailer dropped, utilizing the massive viewership of a major sporting event to maximize exposure. This is a departure from traditional LEGO release cycles, where movie tie-ins are often confirmed much earlier. Instead, Project Hail Mary (11389) has appeared with a stealth launch that has captured the attention of the "AFOL" (Adult Fans of LEGO) community.

The Set Specifications

Officially cataloged as LEGO Icons set 11389, the model is designed as a microscale recreation of the Hail Mary spacecraft. This approach allows for a detailed display piece that captures the ship's complex geometry without requiring the massive footprint of a minifigure-scale build. It includes a stand for display and a small, exclusive minifigure representing the film's protagonist, Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling.

For Canadian builders, the set represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of a "fresh" intellectual property. Unlike established franchises like Star Wars or Marvel, which have decades of LEGO history, Project Hail Mary is a blank slate, offering new design elements and color palettes.

"It’s not every day that Lego manages to truly surprise with its licensed crossovers, but today, they’ve got us: one of the most exciting upcoming sci-fi films of 2026, Project Hail Mary, is getting its own set." — Supplementary Research Source

Contextual Background: From Bestseller to Blockbuster

To understand the significance of this LEGO release, one must look at the source material. Project Hail Mary is a science fiction novel written by Andy Weir, the author behind The Martian. The story follows Ryland Grace, a junior high school science teacher who wakes up from a coma on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or how he got there. He soon realizes he is on a suicide mission to save Earth from an apocalyptic event known as "Astrophage."

The novel was a massive critical and commercial success, praised for its blend of hard science, humor, and emotional resonance. Consequently, the film adaptation, directed by the duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller (known for The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), has been one of the most anticipated films since its announcement.

Why This Matters to the Canadian Market

Canada has a robust market for both LEGO collectibles and sci-fi cinema. The timing of this release is particularly strategic. By launching the set in March, just as the film hits theaters, LEGO taps into the "impulse buy" demographic—moviegoers who want a keepsake immediately after experiencing the film.

Furthermore, the set bridges a generational gap. Older fans may recognize Andy Weir’s name, while younger fans are drawn to the star power of Ryan Gosling. For Canadian retailers like Indigo and Toys "R" Us, this set represents a high-value inventory item that appeals to a diverse customer base, from casual builders to serious collectors.

Recent Updates: The Timeline of the Launch

The rollout of the Project Hail Mary LEGO set has been swift and coordinated with the film's promotional cycle. Here is a chronological breakdown of the key developments based on verified news reports:

1. The Big Game Announcement: Reports from Bleeding Cool News confirmed that the final trailer and a "Big Game Spot" for Project Hail Mary would debut on Sunday. This created a focal point for media attention.
2. The LEGO Reveal: Shortly before or simultaneously with the trailer hype, Jay's Brick Blog and IGN confirmed the official unveiling of set 11389. These sources, trusted within the LEGO community, verified that the set is indeed a collaboration tied to the movie's release.
3. Availability Details: While specific Canadian pricing and release dates are subject to regional distribution, the general consensus from supplementary research indicates a March release window to align with the film's March 20 theatrical date.

The "Figures" Involved

A unique aspect of this set, highlighted by entertainment outlets, is the inclusion of the alien character "Rocky." While the movie features extensive CGI for the alien companion, the LEGO set utilizes brick-built techniques to represent the character. This allows fans to build a physical representation of the story's most beloved non-human character, adding emotional weight to the build. The inclusion of Ryan Gosling as a minifigure also adds a layer of celebrity appeal, turning a simple spaceship model into a piece of Hollywood memorabilia.

Immediate Effects: The Collector's Market

The immediate impact of this announcement is already being felt in the secondary market and among pre-order queues. Because the set is based on a new IP, there is a degree of speculation regarding its long-term value.

Scarcity and Demand

While LEGO generally keeps sets in production for several years, movie tie-ins can be unpredictable. If the film becomes a massive box-office hit, demand for the set will likely surge beyond initial production runs. For Canadian collectors, this creates a "buy now" urgency.

• Retail Impact: Major retailers across Canada will likely stock this item prominently in the "Adult Builder" section, shifting shelf space away from traditional seasonal sets.
• Cultural Impact: The set validates the "sci-fi drama" genre within the LEGO Icons lineup. It signals to the industry that LEGO is willing to invest in original movie IPs that are not yet released, a risky but potentially rewarding bet.

The "Movie Magic" Connection

The collaboration is particularly poignant given the directors' history. Phil Lord and Chris Miller were instrumental in The LEGO Movie's success. Seeing their new project, Project Hail Mary, honored with a LEGO set feels like a full-circle moment for the fandom. It reinforces the idea that LEGO is not just a toy for children but a medium for storytelling for all ages.

Future Outlook: What This Means for 2026

As we look toward the remainder of 2026, the Project Hail Mary LEGO set stands as a bellwether for movie-merchandise strategies.

Potential Outcomes

1. If the Film Succeeds: Should Project Hail Mary achieve critical acclaim similar to The Martian, this LEGO set could become a "retired" high-value collector's item. It may pave the way for additional sets, such as a minifigure-scale version of the Hail Mary or a diorama of the alien ship.
2. Broader Industry Trends: We may see a shift where more studios partner with LEGO for "pre-release" sets. Instead of waiting for a franchise to prove itself over decades, LEGO is betting on high-quality source material (Andy Weir's writing) and high-profile talent (Ryan Gosling, Lord & Miller) to drive immediate sales.

Risks and Challenges

The primary risk lies in the film's reception. If the movie underperforms at the box office, the set could be perceived as a "flop" accessory, potentially leading to heavy discounting in Canadian stores later in the year. However, given the pedigree of the talent involved, this seems unlikely.

Strategic Implications for the LEGO Group

For LEGO, this release is a test of their brand's ability to sell a story before it is fully publicized. It demonstrates a reliance on the "trust" fans have in the LEGO Icons line. By marketing this as an "