Project Hail Mary arrives in cinemas today, and to the surprise of many, the film has a companion LEGO® set. We’re used to various films and TV shows inspiring LEGO sets, but an entirely new movie being the inspiration for a set is extremely rare. So, a little background for those unaware of Project Hail Mary. It’s a book written by Andy Weir, famed for his previous novel turned film, The Martian. Published in 2021, Project Hail Mary tells the story of a school teacher and biologist, Ryland Grace, who wakes up aboard a ship drifting in a distant star system. He soon learns he’s the sole survivor of a mission to learn how to save Earth’s future. Ryland is not alone for long as he unites with an alien creature called Rocky, who is also trying to save his world. Much of the book and the new film takes place on board the Hail Mary ship, which is the focus of this new set. But as well-received the book was, and the film has been, it’s still extremely odd to see a new ‘IP’ become the subject of the LEGO set. Its existence is all down to The LEGO Movie.
Released in 2014, The LEGO Movie took the world by storm and helped to propel the popularity of the LEGO brand. It was developed and directed by Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, who are also behind the Project Hail Mary film. The pair strongly believed that the ship would make a great LEGO model and reached out to their pals at the LEGO Group. After an invite to the set and the screening of a short sequence from the film, it was agreed that the film would be the perfect inspiration for a LEGO set.
Product Details
Set Name: Project Hail Mary | Set Number: 11389 | Pieces: 830| Theme: Icons
Instructions: Paper booklet + Builder App | Sticker: N/A | Minifigures: Rylan Grace + Rocky figure
RRP: £99.99/109.99€/$99.99/179.99AUD/129.99CAD
Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online & LEGO retailers
The set is a scale model of the Hail Mary ship and comes mounted on a display stand. But it has an interesting working mechanism which replicates the ship’s rotating orbit. This simulates the centrifugal gravity system of the ship. The ship is constructed from three long cylindrical modules. Nestled amongst them is a smaller module of the ship which can be deployed by turning the handle mounted on the display stand. The system used to power this is extremely well done, and although it does use a lot of Technic elements, it’s not too difficult to construct.
Turning the handle anticlockwise causes the Hail Mary to rotate as it would in orbit. But turning the same handle clockwise allows the smaller module to be moved outside of the main ship. As it’s deployed, a couple of well-placed pieces move it into place. Continuing to turn the handle allows the ship to rotate. Switch direction, and then you will see the deployed section of the ship retract back into place. It’s a super satisfying motion.
Along with the ship, the set also includes a smaller display stand which features Ryland Grace in his space suit and his new alien friend, Rocky. The two characters cannot survive in each other’s atmosphere, so they meet in the airlock connection between both of their ships. This is shown by two plinths which are linked together by a small transparent, printed fin. These can also be split apart and connected to the display stand for the ship. Both characters are nicely detailed, especially Ryan Gosling’s character. This includes a cool backpack and various tools, plus being able to switch the helmet for a hairpiece. Rocky is a rocky, spider-like creature and uses existing pieces in place of creating a unique figure. This does mean Rocky looks a little different to how they appears on screen, but it’s a decent attempt.
The story told by Project Hail Mary is perfect for a LEGO set, and the way the ship has been recreated as a working LEGO model is quite cool. Even if you haven’t seen the film or read the book, the set’s mechanism is an impressive feat to build and activate. The LEGO Icons Project Hail Mary set is available now, and Project Hail Mary is in cinemas now.
