Project Hail Mary has recorded the biggest film opening in Australia this year, delivering 297,000 admissions and $6.89 million over its Thursday to Sunday debut weekend, the biggest non-franchise movie opening since Oppenheimer.
The film, starring Ryan Gosling as a science teacher on a critical mission, adapts the Andy Weir novel and earned a 95% critics score and 96% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film drew a 66% male audience, with 59% of admissions from the 25–54 demographic.
"The success of Project Hail Mary is no surprise. Led by Ryan Gosling's global appeal and charisma, and amplified by the scale and spectacle of IMAX, the film is delivering exactly what audiences are seeking from major event releases," said Guy Burbidge, managing director of Val Morgan Cinema.
Bollywood action film Dhurandhar: The Revenge also set a record, delivering 174,000 admissions in its opening weekend — surpassing Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2, which held the previous record for an Indian film in Australia with 122,000 admissions in 2024.
"Dhurandhar: The Revenge underscores the growing demand for international storytelling and reflects Australia's appetite for global content," Burbidge said.
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