The Challenge – The Student News Site of Thunderbird High School

Project Hail Mary serves as a message to future generations, urging them to make an impact and change the world.

Originally published as a book in 2021 and awarded the Goodreads Best Science Fiction Award, the story follows an unknown alien microbe called “astrophage” that has been discovered to be eating the sun. In 30 years, all life on Earth would go extinct. Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), the protagonist, goes on a mission to save the stars and prevent the sun from being eaten. Along the way, he meets a mysterious lifeform that could help him.

“When I’m older, I want to become an astronaut” is a common aspiration among many people at a young age, but as they get older, their dream of becoming an astronaut often subsides. According to a survey cited in the BBC’s Sky At Night Magazine, 14 percent of people globally want to work in the space industry, showing that although being an astronaut is a common dream in youth, it rarely ever becomes a reality.

As someone who has always been fascinated by space, I never considered a career in it, thinking it was too hard. However, watching Project Hail Mary changed my perspective entirely, and I believe it might have influenced many others as well. “As humans, our paths to our desires and dreams are shaped by our imaginations, perceptions, and impressions,” according to Aerospace American. The film showcases various elements that could inspire the younger generation to pursue involvement in the space industry, including its cinematography, character growth, struggles, and the depiction of life beyond Earth and a whole new world.

“After seeing this movie, it gave me an unsaid motivation to make an everlasting impact on the world, especially in the space industry,” said Carter Madsen, junior. For the coming generation, it is easy to believe that making a global impact or working in the space industry is impossible, but as Madsen said, watching this movie changes this mindset. Grace's character growth plays a big part in this, as he is prompted to go into space without any astronaut experience, showing that any ordinary person, whether or not they believe in their potential, can seize the opportunity to do something great.

Project Hail Mary doesn’t just tell a story about saving the sun; it shows how a person's courage and curiosity can ultimately shape the world’s future. If you’ve ever briefly dreamed of space, science, or making a difference, Project Hail Mary is worth watching. It may not turn you into an astronaut overnight, but it could be the spark or motivation that pushes you to reach that dream and make a change.

In the end, Project Hail Mary is more than entertainment; it is a call to action, leaving viewers with one question: what kind of impact will you make on the world?

Project Hail Mary and Its Potential Generational Impact

Caydyn Sorbellini, Staff Writer • May 7, 2026

Project Hail Mary serves as a message to future generations, urging them to make an impact and change the world. Originally published...

Spider-Man: The Past and Present

Karlee Lambertus, Staff Writer • May 7, 2026

Everybody knows Spider-Man, but Peter Parker is forgotten. The next movie in the Spider-Man franchise, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, has been announced. Toby...

Entire Thunderbird Cast and Crew for Little Woman, the Broadway Musical

Dan Sellazzo
Ren Fair royalty played by Haven Grefka (left), Andrew Altavilla (middle-left), Carson Emery (middle), Annabelle Randel (middle-right), Aurora King (right). Photo taken by Gabriel McDonald

Gabriel McDonald
The Thundershack (Marketplace)

Gabriel McDonald
Tables set up by the Games club.

Gabriel McDonald
Main courtyard with new decorations.

Gabriel McDonald
Castle prop at the front entrance.

Gabriel McDonald
Photo courtesy of Amanda Edwards