SAN DIEGO (AP) – Comic-Con was abuzz with excitement during a panel for the upcoming film "Project: Hail Mary," showcasing a unique blend of space adventure, scientific exploration, comedy, and relationship drama. The event drew a crowd of over 6,000 in Hall H, the largest venue at Comic-Con, where actor Ryan Gosling, donning a trucker hat and flannel shirt, energetically addressed the audience, saying, “What’s up Hall H!”
The production team from Amazon MGM Studios presented the audience with the opening five minutes of the movie, alongside several slightly unfinished scenes from the first third of the film, which is slated for release in approximately seven months. These early glimpses included an extensive look at Rocky, the stone-shaped and faceless alien who becomes Gosling’s mission partner in the endeavor to rescue the universe from an impending ecological disaster.
Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller highlighted that the dynamic between Gosling's character and Rocky serves as the film's core theme. Miller posed a poignant question: “If the universe depended on it, can adult men make friends?” Rocky, a character beloved by fans of Andy Weir’s novel, is expected to be a popular choice for cosplay among attendees at future Comic-Con events.
When asked to rank Rocky among his other on-screen relationships, Gosling opted to refrain from answering, commenting that it was too early to make a judgment. Weir added humorously, “From Emma Stone, to person of stone.”
The screenplay for "Project Hail Mary" is penned by Drew Goddard, who previously adapted Weir's first novel into the acclaimed 2015 film, "The Martian." Gosling expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that he was immediately drawn to the script when he first read the manuscript. He lightheartedly referred to Weir as “the greatest sci-fi mind of our time.” He further elaborated on the experience of reading the manuscript, describing it as transporting him to places he had never been and revealing things he had never seen, balancing humor with deep emotional impact.
In the film, Gosling portrays Ryland Grace, an underachieving middle school teacher who finds himself reluctantly drafted for a critical space mission. Gosling explained the character's relatable traits, saying, “I connect to his reluctance. Aside from the fact that he has a doctorate in molecular biology, he’s quite an ordinary person.” He noted that Ryland’s fear in facing such a daunting task is a shared experience among many individuals.
The scenes showcased at Comic-Con illustrated a disheveled and amnesiac Gosling awakening in a pod and grappling with confusion as he discovers he is alone in space amidst a series of lifeless pods. His initial reaction is a comedic but desperate cry of “Where am I?!”
The film marks Lord and Miller's return to directing and space-themed narratives since their controversial exit from "Solo" in 2018, where they were replaced by Ron Howard. Consistent with the roots of "The Martian," "Project Hail Mary" emphasizes scientific accuracy, with Weir having meticulously reviewed numerous calculations. Yet, the style remains true to the distinct comedic flair that characterized Lord and Miller's past projects, such as "The Lego Movie." Lord illustrated this approach by stating, “This movie is not a Mac, it’s a PC. It can be beautiful; it just can’t be pretty."
In summary, Comic-Con served as a significant platform for "Project: Hail Mary," capturing audience interest with its blend of comedy and relevant science fiction themes as the film prepares for its upcoming release. Gosling's portrayal of Ryland Grace promises to bring both humor and heart to the character, while audience excitement over the unique partnership between Ryland and Rocky continues to build.
