Ryan Gosling Reveals How to Save Movie Theaters. And It’s Not on Customers

With the rise of streaming in the modern era, the health of the movie theater industry is a serious concern in Hollywood. The industry plummeted after the 2020 pandemic, and has yet to climb back up to the pre-COVID peak of $11 billion annual domestic box office gross.

Hollywood has been sounding the alarm on the movie theater industry for years, imploring customers to attend showings at their local cinemas.

Ryan Gosling, the star of blockbuster science-fiction film "Project Hail Mary," gave a refreshing take regarding Hollywood's movie theater issue while speaking to viewers at a New York cinema on Saturday.

Gosling said its up to the industry to make movies worthy of a trip to the theater.

“Six years ago, I got the manuscript [for ‘Project Hail Mary’], the most ambitious thing I’ll ever make; it seemed impossible. It was too good not to give it a shot. Six years later, we did it," Gosling said. "Here we are, we’re all back in theaters. It’s not your job to keep them open, it’s our job to make things that make it worth you coming out.”

“You’re about to go to another galaxy, make an alien best friend and save the stars. This movie is for you. Enjoy the trip!” he concluded.

Ryan Gosling just casually dropping in to surprise your theater? Anything is possible when you see #ProjectHailMary — now playing in theaters and IMAX everywhere. Get tickets at link in bio. pic.twitter.com/hBm5BeQErq

— Project Hail Mary (@projecthailmary) March 21, 2026

"Project Hail Mary" made a huge box office splash, reaching $140.9 million at the global box office in its opening weekend. The film, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, surpassed “Scream 7” for the largest box office debut of 2026 so far.

Gosling is no stranger to filling movie theater seats. The 45-year-old actor starred as Ken in "Barbie," the highest-grossing film of 2023.