Soda just got a serious upgrade—and it’s not your typical flavor drop. Pepsi is rolling out a limited-edition drink that blends bold flavors with a full-on movie experience. Inspired by the upcoming film Project Hail Mary, this new release goes beyond a standard refreshment. It mixes fruit flavors, candy toppings, and a cinematic tie-in that feels designed for social media buzz. But there’s a catch—you won’t find it everywhere.
A Soda Inspired by a Sci-Fi Movie
This new drink isn’t just about flavor—it’s tied directly to entertainment. Pepsi created the Starry Astrophage Burst to celebrate the release of Project Hail Mary. The drink pulls inspiration from the film’s space-themed storyline. Even the name leans into the sci-fi concept. It’s a clear example of how brands are blending food with pop culture moments.
Only Available at Select Theaters
Before you get too excited, there’s a limitation. The Starry Astrophage Burst won’t be sold everywhere. Instead, it’s exclusive to nearly 300 Regal Cinemas locations across the United States. That means you’ll need a movie ticket—or at least a trip to the theater—to try it. The limited availability adds to the hype.
A Lemon-Lime Base With a Fruity Twist
At its core, the drink starts with a familiar base. It uses Starry, a lemon-lime soda, as the foundation. From there, things get more interesting. Blue raspberry and sweet cherry flavors are added to the mix. The result is a layered, fruit-forward soda with a bold taste profile.
Topped With Gummy Candy Clusters
This isn’t just a drink—it’s almost a dessert. The soda is topped with berry gummy clusters inspired by a character from the movie. These chewy additions add texture and extra sweetness. It turns a simple beverage into something more playful. It’s definitely designed to stand out.
Part of the DRIPS by Pepsi Lineup
The new release is part of a bigger concept. Pepsi has been expanding its DRIPS lineup, which focuses on drinks with added mix-ins and toppings. These aren’t your standard sodas—they’re built to feel more like specialty beverages. The Astrophage Burst fits right into that creative approach. It’s another step toward turning drinks into experiences.
The Price Tag Might Surprise You
This isn’t priced like a regular soda. The Starry Astrophage Burst costs $7.99 for a 24-ounce drink. That higher price reflects the added ingredients and novelty factor. Between the flavors and toppings, it’s closer to a specialty treat than a basic refreshment. For some, the experience may justify the cost.
Timed With a Movie Release
The timing of the launch isn’t random. The drink is rolling out alongside the March 20 release of Project Hail Mary. This kind of coordinated release helps build excitement for both the movie and the product. It gives fans another way to engage with the film. And it turns a simple concession stand visit into something more memorable.
There’s a Sweepstakes Bonus
Buying the drink may include an extra perk. Customers who purchase a large Starry and popcorn can enter a sweepstakes. The prize is a trip to Iceland inspired by the movie’s space journey. It’s a big incentive tied to a simple purchase. Promotions like this add another layer of excitement.
Other DRIPS Drinks Are Already Available
The Astrophage Burst isn’t the only creative drink on the menu. Pepsi already introduced several DRIPS options at Regal Cinemas. These drinks focus on bold combinations and unusual toppings. Each one is designed to feel unique and Instagram-worthy. The lineup continues to grow.
Cherry Boba and Creamy Foam Combos
One standout from the DRIPS lineup is the Pepsi Cherry Boba Burst. It features Pepsi Zero Sugar layered with cherry boba pearls. The drink is then topped with sweet cream, cold foam, and mini marshmallows. It’s a mix of textures and flavors in every sip. Definitely not your average soda.
Fruit-Forward Drinks Get Creative
Another option leans heavily into fruity flavors. The Starry Dragon Fruit Blast combines lemon-lime soda with watermelon. It’s then garnished with dragon fruit for an extra visual pop. The drink focuses on refreshing, tropical notes. It’s a lighter contrast to some of the richer options.
Even Lemonade Gets a Dessert Twist
The DRIPS lineup doesn’t stop at soda. There’s also a Tropicana Cotton Candy Lemonade option. This drink layers lemonade over candy boba and tops it with floating cotton candy. It playfully blends sweet and tangy flavors. It’s clearly designed to stand out in a crowded menu.
A Soda That’s More Than a Drink
With bold flavors, candy toppings, and a movie tie-in, this release shows how far drinks have evolved. Pepsi isn’t just selling soda—it’s creating an experience. The limited availability and unique presentation make it feel exclusive. Whether it’s worth the trip to Regal Cinemas depends on how curious you are. Would you try a soda topped with gummy clusters, or is this a bit too out there? Share your thoughts in the comments!
