Interstellar Refreshment: Pepsi Launches Exclusive “Starry Astrophage Burst” for Project Hail Mary

March 14, 2026 — Moviegoers are preparing for an “interstellar adventure” that hits the palate before it even hits the big screen. Pepsi has officially unveiled the Starry Astrophage Burst, a limited-edition beverage available exclusively at nearly 300 Regal theatre locations nationwide via the “Drips by Pepsi” program.

Launched on Friday, March 13th, the drink serves as a thematic appetizer for the highly anticipated film adaptation of Andy Weir’s bestselling sci-fi novel, Project Hail Mary, which makes its grand theatrical debut on March 20th.

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A Cosmic Concoction

The Starry Astrophage Burst is engineered to be as visually striking as its inspiration. It begins with a base of crisp, caffeine-free Starry lemon-lime soda, which is then infused with bold blue raspberry and cherry flavor profiles. The result is a vibrant, deep-purple hue designed to evoke the mystery of deep space.

To add a tactile, playful element, the drink is topped with candy berry gummy clusters. These treats aren’t just for texture; they are a nod to “Rocky,” the extraterrestrial character from the film who becomes an unlikely partner to the protagonist, Ryland Grace.

Strategic Synergy: Beverage & Cinema

The collaboration is a masterclass in experiential marketing, aiming to turn the theater concession stand into a “flavor universe.”

• The “Astrophage” Connection: In the narrative of Project Hail Mary, “Astrophage” is a critical, star-infecting microorganism. By launching the drink a full week before the film’s release, Pepsi and Regal are inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the film’s lore early.
• Exclusive Access: The beverage is part of the Drips by Pepsi lineup, an initiative that crafts over-the-top, spectacle-driven sodas exclusively for Regal theaters. These are designed to be “photo-ready” creations, capitalizing on the social media habits of younger moviegoers.
• High-Stakes Promotion: In a bid to drive large-format sales, customers who purchase a large Starry Astrophage Burst alongside popcorn gain entry into a sweepstakes. The prize? A once-in-a-lifetime trip to Iceland, a destination symbolically chosen to mirror the film’s intense, otherworldly atmosphere.

Market Positioning

At a price point of approximately $7.99, the Astrophage Burst sits squarely within the expected premium pricing for theater concessions. While steep by retail standards, industry analysts note that these “Drips” beverages—which include mix-ins, boba pearls, and cold foams—provide a high-value “spectacle experience” that standard fountain sodas cannot match.

As Project Hail Mary prepares to dominate box offices globally, the Starry Astrophage Burst stands as a prime example of how major beverage brands are leveraging high-budget film intellectual property (IP) to transform mundane refreshment moments into high-engagement cultural events.

For fans eager to taste the “interstellar” adventure, the window is limited. As is typical with these theatrical tie-ins, the drink is expected to disappear from the menu once the film concludes its run.

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For more information on where to find this drink, visit the official Drips by Pepsi portal.

Project Hail Mary Final Trailer

This video provides the official look at the film that inspired this creative beverage collaboration.

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