‘Project Hail Mary’ Directors Announce In-Theater Director Commentary Track, Here’s How it Works

Fans of Project Hail Mary now have another reason to revisit the movie. A phone app lets audiences stream a directors’ commentary track straight to their earbuds during the film. Co-director Phil Lord shared the announcement on X.

Just one more fun way to enjoy #ProjectHailMary in theaters! This app is cool it syncs up with the movie! https://t.co/Q8TkMVeP50

— Phil Lord (@philiplord) April 3, 2026

Rather than presenting it as an academic exercise, Lord emphasized that it’s meant to be a fun way to relive the space adventure on the big screen. For some viewers, it’s reminiscent of the bonus features found on many DVDs—a feature that has largely disappeared as studios place greater emphasis on streaming and digital releases.

How to Hear the Commentary Track

To access the Project Hail Mary commentary track, users must download the free TheaterEars app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. While the app is primarily designed for dubbing English films into Spanish, its use for in-theater commentary tracks represents a new application of the technology.

Rocky in Project Hail Mary – Amazon MGM Studios

READ: Tim Pool Rejects Animal Farm Promotion Over Film’s “Pro Communism” Messaging

TheaterEars requires users to create an account and uses location verification to confirm they are in the correct theater at the designated showtime. The app also needs microphone access to sync audio in real time. Before the film begins, users simply launch the app and select the commentary track to start listening.

A “Most Excellent” Film

The Ryan Gosling-led film from Amazon MGM Studios has already exceeded box office expectations. In its opening weekend, it brought in $80.5 million domestically and $60.4 million from international markets, putting it well ahead of early projections. Its strong performance has continued since.

Ryan Gosling in Project Hail Mary – Amazon MGM Studios

READ: Super Mario Galaxy Movie Box Office Soars Past $122M Globally As Audiences Ignore Critics Yet Again

On Criticless, Project Hail Mary currently sits at 86% “Most Excellent” with 196 users. One top review praises the film’s blend of “rigorous hard science fiction with genuine emotional depth and crowd-pleasing entertainment,” noting the use of practical effects and impressive production design. How these effects were conceived and executed will likely be explored in the new commentary track.

According to Gosling, the film was also designed to draw audiences back to theaters. In the streaming era, where many viewers wait for VOD releases, that may be Project Hail Mary‘s greatest achievement.

The Theatrical Strategy

Appearing at a recent IMAX screening, Gosling suggested that Project Hail Mary might be the most ambitious film he will ever make. He noted that, in concept, it seemed impossible—but too good not to try. “Six years later, we did it. Here we are, we’re all back in theaters,” he said. “It’s not your job to keep them open, it’s our job to make things that make it worth you coming out.”

Ryan Gosling in Project Hail Mary – Amazon MGM Studios

READ: J.J. Abrams Downsizing Production Company Bad Robot

With reports of repeat viewings, the strategy seems to have worked. The new commentary track may encourage yet another trip to the theater for those who have already seen the film multiple times.

Back to Basics

With Project Hail Mary, directors Lord and Miller, and star Gosling, gave audiences a reason to head to the theater. Now, with the new commentary track, technology is giving some viewers a reason to return. This time, it’s not impressive effects in front of the camera—but an app and the filmmakers themselves explaining the process.

If successful, fans may see the approach used for other films. Perhaps more importantly, it’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest solutions are still the best.

How many times have you seen Project Hail Mary? Will you be listening to the commentary track? Let us know in the comments!

UP NEXT: John Lithgow Won’t Stop Talking About J.K. Rowling — Claims Author Was “Misrepresented” But Also “Doubled Down At Her Own Cost”