The sci-fi epic "Project Hail Mary," starring Canadian actor Ryan Gosling (directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller), will be released simultaneously in Japan and the US on March 20th. The film is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by popular author Andy Weir, who also wrote "The Martian," the source material for the 2015 film "The Martian" (published by Hayakawa Shobo). It was Gosling who strongly pushed for the film adaptation after reading the original novel. Gosling recommended German actress Sandra Hüller for the role of Ava Strutt, the head of "Project Hail Mary," which investigates the cause of humanity's impending doom, saying, "It would be a dream to work with her." Gosling and others commented on their meeting and behind-the-scenes stories from the filming.
◇"Of course, I wanted to work with Ryan."
The film is set in a future where an anomaly occurs in which solar energy is being stolen due to an unknown cause. To avert an unprecedented crisis, the wisdom of the world gathers together and discovers the only undamaged planet 11.9 light-years away. The only option left for humanity is to travel there in a spaceship and solve the mystery to save the sun and all of humanity. Grace (Gosling), a middle school science teacher sent into space for the "Hail Mary" project, meets Rocky, an unknown life form who shares the same goal. The two, who speak different languages, have different bodies and common sense, communicate using science as a common language and build a relationship of trust. Together, they embark on a mission to save their home planet, risking their lives.
Gosling, who was eager to work with Hüller as Strutt, the project manager, first met at the 2024 Academy Awards, where Hüller was nominated for Best Actress for "The Anatomy of the Fall" and Gosling for Best Supporting Actor for "Barbie." Gosling revealed that he had seen her many times before and thought it would be a dream to work with her. It had to be her, which is what led to him offering her the role.
Hüller primarily worked in Germany, but her films, such as the 2016 movie "Toni Erdmann," frequently received high praise at international film festivals and awards ceremonies, gradually making her known to Hollywood actors and staff. Her performances in "The Anatomy of the Fall," which won the Palme d'Or at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, and "Area of Interest," which won the Grand Prix, became a hot topic, leading to her sweeping numerous film awards, including the Academy Awards, and raising her profile as a highly acclaimed actress.
In this film, he plays Strutt, the commander of "Project Hail Mary." He confronts the protagonist Grace (Gosling) as the person who drew her into the seemingly reckless project. Regarding working with Gosling, Hüller commented, "Of course, I wanted to work with Ryan. That was the best thing of all!"
Hüller said that one of the reasons he decided to take on the role was the character itself. Strut is a calm and collected person who keeps the organization together, but he also struggles with the fact that he sometimes has to make ruthless decisions, and he shows kindness by caring for Grace, a member of the project team. Hüller reflected on the filming, saying, "Strut does his job very well, is respected by everyone, takes the initiative in many things, and is a person with patience, courage, humor, and heart. I wanted to play someone like Strut who has the energy to move people. It was a completely new experience."
The scenes featuring the two together were highly praised by the acclaimed directors Lord and Miller, who worked together on "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse." Miller excitedly stated, "Their interaction was truly amazing!" He added, "Everyone who saw the preview said, 'I didn't expect to be so emotionally moved.' Zandra Huller's casting was a major factor in that. She is one of the greatest talents of our time."
Grace and Strutt work together on "Project Hail Mary," a mission to confront an impending crisis threatening Earth and humanity. But why did Strutt send Grace, a humble middle school teacher, to the edge of space on a one-way ticket? What fate awaits Grace, who cannot return to Earth even after successfully completing her life-threatening mission? Enjoy this deepened human drama brought to life by the collaboration of these two talented actors in theaters.
