Ryan Gosling and Sandra Hüller recently talked about their roles in the new sci-fi film Project Hail Mary, adapted from Andy Weir’s novel. The film follows a science teacher, played by Ryan, who embarks on a critical space mission to save humanity.
During an interview at Los Angeles’ Griffith Observatory, Ryan explained his attraction to the film.
“Well, you go to out another galaxy, you make an alien best friend, you save the world. So, there’s that. But that’s just, you know, come for that, but stay for the hopeful message. I think, at the end of the day, which is that, you know, Andy presents you this opportunity to not maybe fear the future but just see it as something that, you know, needs to be figured out,”
Ryan shared.
The Emotional and Inspirational Core of the Film
Ryan emphasized that the story goes beyond escapism, highlighting human potential and resilience.
“It’s not escapist. It’s a sort of a reminder of what we’re capable of as human beings. And I think that’s what we’re all so moved by when we read the book. And it’s just been beautiful to see people see the film… It’s way more emotional than I think you expect,”
he said.
Sandra Hüller portrays Eva, the head of a global team tasked with the mission’s success. When asked how she would approach saving the world, she described Eva’s quiet determination.
“I would love to do it the way that she does, like without much ado about anything. She’s just working in silence and with a clear goal in front of her. She’s using all her contacts, I think, and her patience and her expertise and she doesn’t have any need for showing her power in any form. And I think that makes her really special because the entire world has given her all the power to do anything she needs to do to get this done.”
The Challenge of Portraying Space Through Ryan’s Eyes
Despite playing a character who journeys into space, Ryan admits he has no desire to experience space travel himself. “I wouldn’t go,” he said simply.
“Not even a little bit. I like to be here.”
Sandra offered a different viewpoint, saying,
“I would have learned how to do these things. If I had an education, of course, I would love to go to space, but not for leisure.”
Ryan described Project Hail Mary as one of the most demanding films of his career.
“Everything about this was a challenge… That’s the story. I mean, everything in the story is hard for these characters, you know. They’re trying to figure out how to save the world, and they’re doing it through experimentation and through science and through trial and error.”
He added,
“And so, as we were trying to make this insane movie with a practical puppet as an alien who comes with his own glam squad and he’s very high maintenance and everything… Oh, my God, he’s so much work, but he’s worth it… He’s the best alien friend you’re ever going to have. And this experience is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Early Praise from Critics and Cast Reflections
Critics have hailed Project Hail Mary as the leading blockbuster of 2026, making a strong impact early on. Sandra reflected on the success, saying,
“It feels unreal, to be honest. I am very happy that this works so well and that we had such a great time making it and that we have experienced this time together, and I hope that a lot of people are going to see it and have this experience in the biggest movie theater possible because the beauty, I mean it’s not only entertaining, moving, funny, and everything but it’s also breathtakingly beautiful.”
Ryan’s Daughter Influences His Character Decisions
For Ryan, the most important opinions about the film come from his children.
“They’re not critical. They’re just honest and they’re just they have incredible taste and they’re just the funniest, smartest people I know… It matters to me what they think. And normally when they give their opinion… even with the start of the character, I was playing with looks for the character and my daughter walked by. I had some glasses on. She goes, ‘You look smarter in glasses.’ And I was like, ‘Then I will, I need to look smart. I will wear glasses’… It was a great note,”
he revealed.
