LEGO’s Project Hail Mary Set Reveals a Really Cool Feature

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LEGO is introducing a cool, retro-inspired feature with its new set based on the upcoming sci-fi movie, Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling (releasing March 20th). Instead of relying on newer building techniques, the set uses a classic crank system. LEGO has been innovating a lot lately, but this design pays tribute to the clever engineering in the film and offers fans a nostalgic building experience.

Project Hail Mary is a science fiction story about Ryland Grace, a teacher who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of his mission or crew. He’s far from Earth, traveling through the Tau Ceti system, and must figure out what happened and why. The movie is based on Andy Weir’s 2021 novel and focuses on Grace’s determination, scientific expertise, and ingenuity as he investigates a disaster threatening Earth. The first trailer, released in late June 2025, revealed a major plot twist but also generated excitement among sci-fi fans.

LEGO’s Project Hail Mary Set‘s Special Feature Highlights the Hero’s Mechanical Skills

LEGO fans were excited earlier this year when news leaked about a set based on the book Project Hail Mary. LEGO has now confirmed the set will be released on March 1st, and more details have emerged about a unique feature. The set includes a hand-crank that controls two different functions on the spaceship model. Turning the crank one way rotates the entire ship, making it easier to see from all sides. Turning it the other way separates the crew module at the back, and continues to rotate it, mimicking the spaceship’s artificial gravity system.

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With 830 pieces, the LEGO Project Hail Mary set is part of the Icons collection and designed for adults and older teens (ages 18+). It costs $99.99 and lets you build a detailed, small-scale model of the spaceship from the movie. The finished model measures 12 inches tall, 9.5 inches long, and 8.5 inches wide. The set also includes the very first LEGO Minifigure of Ryan Gosling as Grace, the movie’s main character, and a buildable figure of Rocky, his companion.

It might seem unexpected, given LEGO’s focus on its new Smart Play brick technology, but some upcoming sets are using a more traditional, crank-based system with a fresh take. The first sets to feature the new Smart Play technology – rechargeable bricks containing computer chips – will be the Star Wars line. These bricks will work with special sensors included in the sets to create lighting and sound effects. The initial Smart Play sets, including the Project Hail Mary set, will be available on March 1st, and LEGO plans to include this technology in more sets going forward.

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

It’s going to be interesting to see what LEGO fans think of the new Project Hail Mary set when it comes out. Initial reactions are mixed – some people are excited, while others are a little worried. A few wish it had a motor instead of a hand crank, and others are disappointed that so many bricks are used for the base and mechanics, leaving less for the ship itself. This set feels like a bit of a risk for LEGO, as they’ve recently had more success with well-known franchises like Pokémon. However, it could still be a hit with fans of the movie and the author Andy Weir, who also wrote The Martian.

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2026-02-12 20:08