Ryan Gosling on How His Kids Inspired His Role in Project Hail Mary

Ryan Gosling is opening up about the deeply personal reasons behind his involvement with the upcoming sci-fi film Project Hail Mary, and how the story resonated with his family, particularly his daughters Esmeralda, 11, and Amada, 9, whom he shares with Eva Mendes. The actor, currently promoting the film ahead of its March 20, 2026, theatrical release, shared his thoughts on the importance of creating hopeful narratives for a younger generation during a recent appearance on the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce.

Gosling explained that, as a father, he’s acutely aware of the often-frightening themes prevalent in children’s entertainment. “Being a dad, having two young kids, and I perceive like everything is designed to scare them,” he told the Kelce brothers on the March 18 episode of their podcast. He saw Project Hail Mary, based on the acclaimed novel by Andy Weir, as an opportunity to offer something different – a story that acknowledges challenges but ultimately emphasizes humanity’s capacity for problem-solving and collaboration. The film centers on Ryland Grace, a science teacher who awakens on a spacecraft with amnesia, tasked with saving Earth from an existential threat.

A Family-Focused Decision

The desire to create a film his family could enjoy together was a major driving force for Gosling. He and Mendes, he explained, frequently search for movies that can be shared experiences for their children—films that create lasting memories. “And there just aren’t many,” Gosling stated in a recent interview with Scary Mommy, published March 10, 2026. “There aren’t any ETs or Back to the Futures or those films that you remember where you were and who you were with and that sort of stay with you through your life.” He expressed gratitude to author Andy Weir for crafting a story that allowed him to contribute to that legacy.

This sentiment echoes comments Gosling made earlier about the film’s potential to be a “family movie,” a genre he feels is increasingly rare. As reported by Prime Timer, Gosling and Mendes actively seek out films they can experience with their daughters, and Project Hail Mary offered a unique opportunity to fulfill that desire.

Beyond Optimism: A Belief in Human Potential

Gosling emphasized that Project Hail Mary isn’t simply an optimistic story; it’s a grounded one that acknowledges the existence of problems while simultaneously highlighting the human ability to overcome them. This perspective, he noted, stems from Andy Weir’s own worldview. “He believes in people,” Gosling said on the New Heights podcast. “He believes in what we’re capable of. He believes that we’re capable of great things and it’s not unearned optimism. It’s not just optimism for the sake of it. He reminds you in his perform that all the great innovations in human history started as impossible ideas.”

This focus on human ingenuity and resilience is a key element of Weir’s work, and it’s something that clearly resonated with Gosling. The actor described Weir’s belief that “human beings made the impossible possible all the time,” calling it “kind of like our thing.” The film, isn’t just a space adventure; it’s a celebration of human potential.

Gosling and Mendes: A Shared Appreciation for Storytelling

Eva Mendes’s influence on Gosling’s career choices is well-documented. The couple, known for their relatively private life, often prioritize projects that align with their values and offer meaningful experiences. Mendes herself has spoken about the importance of finding roles that challenge her creatively and allow her to explore complex characters. Parade recently reported on Mendes playfully expressing “jealousy” over Gosling’s co-star in the film – a puppet named Rocky – highlighting the lighthearted dynamic within their family and their shared enthusiasm for the project.

The Weir Factor: A Novel Adaptation

Project Hail Mary marks the second collaboration between Gosling and author Andy Weir, following the success of Weir’s debut novel, The Martian, which was adapted into a critically acclaimed film starring Matt Damon. Weir’s novels are known for their meticulous scientific accuracy and compelling narratives, and Project Hail Mary is no exception. The book has been widely praised for its inventive plot, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes. Gosling described the novel as “an incredible book before it was a film,” and expressed his luck at being involved in bringing it to the screen.

What’s Next for Project Hail Mary?

With the film’s premiere scheduled for March 20, 2026, the studio is gearing up for a robust marketing campaign. Early reviews are anticipated to surface in the weeks leading up to the release, and the film is expected to be a major contender at the box office. The success of The Martian, combined with Gosling’s star power and the compelling premise of Project Hail Mary, positions the film for a strong opening weekend. Following the theatrical run, a streaming release is anticipated, though a specific platform and timeline have not yet been announced. The film’s potential to resonate with both science fiction fans and families suggests a long shelf life and continued viewership on digital platforms.