Ryan Gosling is all set to take audiences on an emotional yet funny journey through space with his new movie Project Hail Mary. At San Diego Comic-Con on July 26, the actor-producer gave fans an exciting and funny first look at the upcoming sci-fi film, which is based on Andy Weir’s bestselling 2021 novel.
The movie combines science, space, comedy, and deep human emotions — and Gosling’s performance as a “space caveman” promises something truly unique.
Gosling Plays a Science Teacher on a Space Mission
In Project Hail Mary, Gosling plays Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher who wakes up alone on a spaceship, 11.9 light-years from Earth. His mission? To figure out why stars across the galaxy — including the sun — are dying, putting life on Earth at serious risk.
At Comic-Con, Gosling described the role as both “heartbreaking and funny,” calling it one of the most challenging projects he’s ever done. He said, “This story is about a scared guy who has to do something impossible — and I was that scared guy trying to make this movie.”
‘Space Caveman’ and the Placenta Onesie
Fans at the Comic-Con panel were treated to the first five minutes of the film, where Gosling’s character wakes up from cryosleep looking like a “space caveman.”
Gosling joked about the odd outfit he wears in the scene — a sticky-looking suit he called a “placenta onesie.” He added with a laugh, “I hope to see people dressed like that at future Comic-Cons!”
Gosling said the character’s transformation is central to the story. He begins as someone lost and afraid, and slowly becomes a person ready to do great things. “He’s someone who had given up on himself,” Gosling explained, “but this journey helps him find hope again.”
Directed by Top Sci-Fi Talent
The film is directed by the famous duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (known for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), and the screenplay is written by Drew Goddard, who also adapted Andy Weir’s earlier novel The Martian into a hit film starring Matt Damon.
At the Comic-Con event, Gosling was joined by Lord, Miller, Goddard, and author Andy Weir. They talked about how carefully they worked on the science and space facts, with help from Weir himself. “It’s a movie about hope, connection, and the future of humanity,” said Miller.
A New Alien Friend: Meet Rocky
The movie also introduces a fascinating alien character named Rocky. Gosling didn’t reveal much about him but said he’s “not ready to speak for himself.” This strange alien doesn’t have a face but has five limbs and is brought to life through a mix of CGI and puppetry from The Jim Henson Company.
According to the filmmakers, viewers will fall in love with Rocky, despite his alien looks. “It comes alive in a way where you’d die for this character,” Miller said.
Coming to Theatres in March 2026
Project Hail Mary, also starring Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Milana Vayntrub and Ken Leung, will release in theatres on March 20, 2026. With a mix of humour, science fiction, and deep emotions, the film is expected to be one of the biggest releases of the year.
