The film, Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, opened at the U.S. with an estimated $80.6 million at the box office, marking a significant win for Amazon MGM Studios as it prepares to become a major Hollywood studio. The film, based on Andy Weir's Andy Weir novel, is one of only three non-sequel or franchise installments in the past decade to open to $60 million or more domestically, nearly matching Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer ($82 million), not adjusted for inflation. The movie is also opening in 82 markets around the globe timed to its US. The success of the film is seen as a significant boost for MGM's ambitions as Paramount prepares to merge with Warner Bros.