In 2026, there is already an undisputed leader in cinema. "The Ave Maria Project" starring Ryan Gosling has officially become the highest-grossing Hollywood film of the year and the most successful release in the history of Amazon MGM Studios after the merger of the studios. And what is particularly impressive — it achieved this without the usual crutches for blockbusters: without a superhero universe, without a well-known brand, and without support from previous installments.
Numbers That Speak for Themselves
In two weeks of release, the film has grossed $300.8 million worldwide, of which $164.3 million is from the U.S. and $136.2 million from overseas, including the UK, China, Australia, South Korea, and Germany.
But the real miracle is not the opening numbers, but how the film is holding up. In its second weekend, U.S. earnings dropped only 32% — better than Oppenheimer (down 43%) and Dune: Part Two (down 44%). In an era when films live for just one weekend and quickly lose viewers, "The Ave Maria Project" behaves like a hit from the pre-cinematic era — sustaining itself through word of mouth.
Who's Behind It
Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller — the ones who were once fired from "Solo: A Star Wars Story" — have proven they can handle large-scale live-action space epics. The original author Andy Weir, whose "The Martian" also became a box office hit under Ridley Scott's direction, now has two consecutive winning adaptations.
For Gosling, this is the biggest box office success in a role where he is the sole lead — as "Barbie," which made more money, was an ensemble project. Critics have also taken notice: 95% on Rotten Tomatoes — a record for the actor and one of the highest ratings in the directing duo's career.
What's Next — Franchise, Sequel, and Jenna Ortega on the Moon
The film's success has already sparked discussions about turning "The Ave Maria Project" into a full-fledged franchise. There have been no official announcements, but Weir previously mentioned that he has an idea for a sequel.
At the same time, information has emerged about adapting another of the author's novels — "Artemis" from 2017, which takes place in a lunar colony. Lord and Miller are reportedly being considered again as directors, with Jenna Ortega from the series "Wednesday" being eyed for the lead role. There are no official confirmations yet, but given the current box office performance, there will likely be many willing to finance this project.
Meanwhile, as "The Ave Maria Project" proves the viability of original storylines, the entertainment industry is preparing another major comeback that will make fans' hearts race. After the dramatic finale of "Avengers: Endgame," where Steve Rogers seemingly hung up his shield for a peaceful life in the past, viewers accepted the logical conclusion of his journey. However, fresh insights from Hollywood confirm: the iconic Captain America is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Moreover, this is not about a cameo appearance, but full participation in future projects for a much longer duration than anyone could have expected, opening a new chapter in the history of the legendary superhero.
