The film 'Ave Maria Project' starring Ryan Gosling has made a real splash in the global box office. The space drama about a former teacher and scientist tasked with saving Earth opened with $140.9 million: $80.5 million in North America and $60.4 million in international markets. This is the best debut of 2026, surpassing the results of 'Scream 7' and 'Creed III', and it has become a record opening for Amazon MGM.
Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller created a visually stunning film while remaining true to Andy Weir's original novel. For Amazon MGM, this is the first major commercial success since acquiring MGM nearly four years ago, confirming the company's ambitions to establish itself as a serious player in the global film industry.
Critics and audiences praised the film for its dynamic plot, spectacular visual effects, and charismatic performance by Gosling. According to analysts, the 'Ave Maria Project' resonated with the public as a rare opportunity to escape from the troubling news and real-world anxieties, offering a grand and emotionally engaging cinematic experience.
The international release was equally successful, with the UK ($10.2 million), China ($7.1 million), Australia ($5 million), and South Korea ($4.3 million) leading the way. Premium formats, especially Imax, contributed significantly to the overall gross — $27.6 million, highlighting the importance of experiencing cosmic landscapes on the big screen.
Analysts note that the 'Ave Maria Project' has joined the ranks of rare non-sequel films that have debuted with over $50 million in overseas markets since COVID, alongside 'Oppenheimer' and 'F1: The Movie'. This confirms that large-scale original projects are still capable of attracting audiences and setting box office records.
