The 'Project Hail Mary' Spoilers Are Out of Control

I don’t expect the world to treat me with kid gloves. I grew up with eczema, glasses, and a few more pounds than was deemed socially acceptable (by my family), so I’m well aware of how cruel this planet can be. Regardless, there is one thing I think people have been pretty good at in recent years: not spoiling movies. Maybe I’ve just gotten lucky, but I was able to see the newest Scream film a few days after its release, and nary a killer had been revealed to me before.

But I’m starting to wonder if that’s simply because people are more protective of big franchises. There’s a cultural understanding that many people will be taking extra time to stay in their seats in hopes of a surprising after-credits scene. Those often come with movies that are part of a series or universe now, and people seem to be respectful! Some corners of the internet are best left unexplored if you want to stay in unspoiled territory, and that’s usually pretty easy.

Now, I have to ask, is that courtesy only extended to big franchises? I’m hyped as hell to see Project Hail Mary, especially after hearing that it was based on a book written by the same guy who wrote The Martian. I loved that movie. Haven’t thought about it since, but had a great time in the theater. Not only was another of his works getting adapted, but it would star Ryan Gosling and be directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, two directors whom I love. I was sold enough on that combo that I decided not to look any further into the film.

I knew that it was about Gosling being sent into space as humanity’s last hope, but that’s where my knowledge ended. If a trailer came on when I was at the movies, I would put in my headphones and close my eyes. However, despite my best efforts, the marketing for the movie would not let up, and several aspects of the movie have been spoiled for me, with one in particular being super annoying.

It’s not like learning the plot of a movie ahead of time is a spoiler, and part of my job is to scan the internet for hot news. Still, there is a character in the movie that has not only been revealed in the marketing but also talked about in stories for outlets. I’m going to remain vague to not spoil it for anybody else, but it’s more than just a thing in the movie (I think). It’s something that feels genuinely surprising and is just… talked about openly.

Now, after the opening weekend, there are articles floating around that just spoil a huge cameo for the movie! Maybe my standards are too high, or I need to start going to midnight showings again, but dammit, I’m (relatively) old and have kids and can’t get out to he movies as easily these days! It requires planning, even if something looks like it’s going to be a beloved, must-see hit. Maybe that’s why the spoilers are out there, because people assume everyone is already seeing this movie (it’s certainly doing well). Or, I just need to stop being so sensitive to hearing information about a movie ahead of time. But going in cold is so fun!