Project Hail Mary Is a Star Wars Movie, Basically

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Spoilers follow for Project Hail Mary. 

Rocky, the alien who teams up with Ryan Gosling’s character in Project Hail Mary, is a truly unique being. Imagine a creature with a rocky exterior, colored like granite, chalk, and rust – almost like something out of a classic monster movie. He’s spider-like in build, with a central body and numerous limbs that move like tentacles, but also have individual fingers. He navigates the air with a fluid, swirling motion, and has a strange underside that even makes Gosling’s character jump! Although he doesn’t have a face, Rocky communicates through a beautiful, complex language of trills, distortions, and sounds reminiscent of whales and theremins. Beyond his unusual appearance, Rocky is incredibly helpful, compassionate, and brilliant – so intelligent that he makes the already-smart Dr. Grace feel a little inadequate. He’s one of a kind… or is he? Rocky shares many characteristics with the droids from Star Wars, and Project Hail Mary often feels a bit like a space adventure in that same vein.

The film adaptation of Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary isn’t trying to turn a realistic science fiction story into something like Star Wars. Instead, its success partly comes from using familiar story elements – a quest to save Earth, a memorable musical moment, and a poignant farewell. The dynamic between the main characters feels particularly recognizable. It’s challenging to breathe new life into common themes, and Project Hail Mary manages to do just that.

The connection between Grace and Rocky is reminiscent of classic duos like Luke and R2-D2, Poe and BB-8, or Cassian and B2EMO. They’re friends who work well together, but they balance each other out. One is a somewhat guarded character weighed down by a huge responsibility, while the other is a straightforward, little companion who keeps the first one grounded. One is struggling to accept their destiny, and the other is a cheerful, outspoken character who isn’t afraid to share their feelings. Rocky helps soften Grace’s tough exterior, and Grace gives Rocky the companionship he’s longed for since losing his entire crew in a tragic accident. The moments when they save each other – Rocky risking himself for an unconscious Grace, and Grace giving up her chance to return home to save Rocky – are particularly powerful because their friendship feels so genuine. These acts of sacrifice mean more than anything else they set out to accomplish.

It’s worth remembering that directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have some experience with Star Wars, having initially been set to direct Solo: A Star Wars Story before Ron Howard took over. Designer Neal Scanlan, known for his work on the Rocky films and the creation of its puppets, is also a veteran of the Star Wars universe, having contributed to Solo, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Andor, and other projects. The running gag of Grace translating Rocky’s language and misunderstanding his expressions is particularly appealing to younger viewers—his phrase “fist my bump” is a good example. This focus on a younger audience is similar to Star Wars. The show nicely teaches children about the importance of collaboration, even with those who seem different or intimidating, and demonstrates how diverse perspectives can lead to wonderful results.

The chemistry between Grace and Rocky is fantastic. Ryan Gosling perfectly plays into his signature self-deprecating humor, and James Ortiz brings Rocky to life with incredible energy. This comes through in Rocky’s movements – the jumps, spins, and tumbles within its protective enclosure – and in its voice, which conveys a range of emotions like hope, curiosity, sadness, and determination. Sometimes Gosling’s best scene partners are his costumes, but in this case, it’s a charming alien determined to save his friend. Gosling’s next film is a Star Wars movie, Star Wars: Starfighter, and Scanlan will be involved. Shawn Levy should really consider bringing James Ortiz onto that project. Wouldn’t everyone be thrilled to see Rocky make a comeback somehow?

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2026-03-24 20:54