LEGO Project Hail Mary: 11389 Price, Release Date & UK Pre-Order
It has been five years since Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary redefined hard sci-fi, leaving millions of readers obsessed with Astrophage, Eridians, and the solitude of deep space. For the Adult Fan of LEGO (AFOL) community, the wait for a brick-built tribute has been agonizing. But the wait is finally over.
The LEGO Project Hail Mary (Set 11389) is officially landing in the UK on 1 March 2026.
This isn’t just another spaceship model. It marks a significant moment in LEGO history: the release of the first-ever Ryan Gosling minifigure. As the film adaptation starring Gosling approaches its theatrical release, LEGO has timed this drop perfectly. But does this 830-piece microscale replica do justice to the Hail Mary’s centrifugal gravity design? And, more importantly, is it worth the £99.99 price tag?
I’ve spent years analysing the LEGO Icons Space collection, from the NASA Discovery to the Artemis Launch System. Below, we strip away the marketing hype and dive into the mechanics, the minifigures, and the value of this highly anticipated set.
LEGO 11389 Project Hail Mary: The UK Essentials
Before we dissect the build techniques, let’s look at the hard numbers. This set falls firmly into the “Icons” category, meaning it is designed for adults (18+) and prioritises display value over play features.
According to the official listing on LEGO.com, here is the confirmed data for the UK market:
| Feature | Specification |
| Set Name | LEGO Icons Project Hail Mary |
| Set Number | 11389 |
| UK Release Date | 1 March 2026 |
| Pre-Order Availability | Expected mid-February 2026 |
| Price (UK) | £99.99 |
| Piece Count | 830 pieces |
| Minifigures | 1 (Ryland Grace) + 1 Brick-built Figure (Rocky) |
| Dimensions | H: 30cm (12 in), L: 25cm (9.5 in), W: 22cm (8.5 in) |
My Take: At £99.99 for 830 pieces, the price-per-piece ratio sits at approximately 12p. This is slightly higher than the average for unlicenced sets (usually around 10p), but standard for licenced properties like Star Wars or Marvel. You are paying the “Hollywood Tax” for the film tie-in and the Ryan Gosling likeness.
Minifigures & Characters: Ryland Grace and Rocky
For many collectors, the ship itself is secondary. The real draw here is the characters. LEGO has historically been cautious with live-action movie adaptations outside of major franchises, so getting a dedicated set for a standalone sci-fi drama is rare.
The Ryland Grace Minifigure
This is the headline grabber. The Ryland Grace minifigure features a brand-new face print that captures Ryan Gosling’s likeness. Unlike generic astronaut figures, this one sports the specific EVA suit seen in the 2026 film trailers.
- Torso: Detailed printing showing the mission patch and life-support connectors.
- Helmet: A new mould designed to match the film’s sleek, near-future aesthetic, distinct from the classic Classic Space helmets or the bulky NASA Apollo gear.
- Accessory: He comes equipped with a printed 1×2 tile representing his datapad—likely displaying the Astrophage fuel calculations.
Rocky: The Eridian Engineer
If you have read the book, you know Rocky is the heart of the story. LEGO faced a massive design challenge here: How do you turn a five-legged, rock-like alien with no face into a cute LEGO figure?
According to early reviews from Brickset, the designers opted for a brick-built approach rather than a single moulded piece.
- Construction: Rocky is assembled using small slopes and angular plates in dark grey and metallic silver (gunmetal grey).
- The “Hand” Element: The figure uses modified clips to recreate Rocky’s five limbs.
- Scale: He is scaled perfectly to stand next to the Ryland Grace minifigure, allowing you to recreate the “fist bump” scene that defines their partnership.
Collector’s Note: Keep an eye on the secondary market. Given the popularity of the character, I predict the Rocky figure alone could sell for upwards of £15-£20 on BrickLink within months of release.
Mechanical Deep-Dive: The Centrifugal Gravity System
The Hail Mary is not a static ship like an X-Wing; in the story, the vessel relies on a “spin drive” system. To simulate gravity, the crew module separates from the fuel tanks and spins on a long tether.
The LEGO design team at Billund has integrated this functionality directly into the display stand. This is where the set earns its “Icons” badge.
The Technic Core
Hidden inside the black display base is a compact Technic gear train. By turning a small crank on the side of the stand, you can rotate the ship.
- Mechanism: It uses a simple worm gear reduction. This ensures the ship spins slowly and majestically, rather than spinning freely like a fidget spinner.
- Stability: A common concern with heavy display models is the “wobble factor.” However, looking at the instructions, the central spine is reinforced with Technic liftarms. The 30cm height is substantial, but the base footprint (22cm wide) provides a solid centre of gravity.
The Microscale Challenge
Because the set is microscale (smaller than minifigure scale), the designers had to use clever parts usage (NPU) to represent the massive fuel tanks.
- Beetle Spoilers: The fuel tanks appear to use the curved “VW Beetle” fender pieces in white to achieve that cylindrical, pressurized look.
- Solar Panels: The array uses printed 1×4 tiles rather than stickers—a massive win for adult collectors who despise applying stickers to curved surfaces.
The Book vs. Film vs. Brick: How Accurate is Set 11389?
As a Subject-Matter Expert on both the novel and LEGO manufacturing, I have noticed some interesting discrepancies between Andy Weir’s text and this 2026 LEGO model.
Scientific Accuracy vs. Hollywood Glamour
In the book, the Hail Mary is described strictly by its function. It is a utilitarian vessel designed for a suicide mission. However, the film adaptation has naturally “Hollywood-ised” the design to look cooler on an IMAX screen, and the LEGO set follows the movie aesthetics.
- The Nose Cone: In the book, the command module is blunt and functional. The LEGO set features a more aerodynamic, pointed nose, matching the movie’s concept art.
- The Astrophage Glow: The engines at the rear use trans-light blue elements. Hardcore book fans might argue this should be a blinding, pure white light (the spectral signature of Astrophage), but the blue reads better as “sci-fi engine” to the general public.
The “Content Gap” in Competitor Reviews
Most reviews I have seen on YouTube gloss over the tether system. In the book, the tether is kilometres long.
Reality Check: Obviously, LEGO cannot produce a kilometre-long tether. The set represents the ship in “cruise mode” (docked configuration). You cannot actually separate the halves and spin them on a string. It is a static display model with rotational movement, not transformational movement.
Is LEGO Project Hail Mary Worth £99.99?
This is the £100 question. The UK economy is tight, and £99.99 is a significant investment for a display piece. Let’s break down the value proposition.
The “Ryan Gosling Factor”
We cannot underestimate the rarity of this minifigure. Actors of Gosling’s calibre rarely approve their likeness for merchandise unless it is a major blockbuster. This is his first appearance in the LEGO universe (Ken from Barbie never got a minifigure). For collectors who speculate on future value, this figure is a strong asset.
Comparison to Other Space Icons
- NASA Space Shuttle Discovery (10283): Priced around £169.99. It is larger and more detailed, but it lacks the pop-culture character connection.
- Tales of the Space Age (21340): Priced at £44.99. Great for wall art, but lacks the mechanical complexity.
Verdict: The LEGO Project Hail Mary sits in a sweet spot. It is cheaper than the massive Technic sets but offers more mechanical interest than the static dioramas.
Who Should Buy This?
- Andy Weir Fans: Essential. It is the only high-quality merchandise available for the story.
- Space Collectors: The unique white-and-silver colour scheme stands out against the sea of grey Star Wars ships.
- Technic Beginners: The internal gear mechanism is a perfect introduction to gears without being overwhelming.
Conclusion
The LEGO Project Hail Mary (11389) is a triumph of timing and design. It successfully translates a literary phenomenon into a tangible, mechanical experience. While the £99.99 price point feels slightly steep for 830 pieces, the inclusion of the exclusive Ryland Grace minifigure and the intricate, brick-built Rocky makes it a justifiable purchase for UK collectors.
It captures the spirit of the story: scientific problem-solving wrapped in an adventure. The hand-cranked gravity simulation is a brilliant touch that elevates it from a simple statue to an interactive conversation piece.
Final Insight: This set proves that LEGO is willing to bet on “intellectual sci-fi” rather than just fantasy battles. If this sells well, we could see more sets based on modern literature, opening a new door for the Icons theme.
Ready to launch?
Pre-orders are expected to go live on 14 February 2026. I highly recommend setting a reminder, as stock for high-profile film tie-ins tends to vanish quickly in the UK market.
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