We have our first look at Project Hail Mary, the upcoming sci-fi movie starring Ryan Gosling and directed by The Lego Movie’s Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, and already one of our biggest burning questions has been answered: when are we going to get our first look at Rocky?
With the release of the movie’s first trailer we now know: right now.
Based on the 2021 novel by The Martian’s Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary follows the story of Ryland Grace, a reluctant astronaut tasked with traveling to a distant star in the hopes of saving humanity from a dying sun. Grace wakes up alone and panicked, with no idea where he is or how to complete his mission.
Enter Rocky, a five-legged space spider who Grace eventually befriends and works alongside in an effort to save both of their home planets from a near-certain apocalypse. He’s equal parts Chewbacca (a loveable alien who helps the roguish hero navigate the treacheries of outer space) and Mr. Spock (a scientific genius whose knowledge is essential to the hero’s survival).
The New Project Hail Mary Gives Us a Look a Rocky, a Fan-Favorite Character from The Book
Rocky shows up a ways into Weir’s novel and his appearance (and subsequent friendship with Grace) comes as a bit of a surprise. What seemed to be another Martian-esque solo quest for a human protagonist quickly pivots into a high-stakes buddy adventure comedy.
And that’s what makes the glimpses we see of Rocky in the movie version’s trailer a shocker. While we don’t get a full view of Rocky, we do see multiple shots of his arms and hands (feet?) along with indications that Rocky is a friendly extraterrestrial. And that’s probably for the best.
Not only are fans of Rocky (yes – there are many, if the cottage industry of fan-made Rocky t-shirts, art, and merch is any indication) given a first look at the one of the book’s central characters, but general audiences who don’t know the book get a reason to believe Project Hail Mary is more than just The Martian reloaded.
Project Hail Mary does share a lot of similarities with The Martian, Weir’s prior bestseller (and subsequent blockbuster starring Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain): solitary protagonists who undertake life-or-death missions far from Earth, complex (and entertaining!) scientific concepts, and lots and lots of space drama.
But Rocky is the main differentiator here. While The Martian’s Mark Watney is left solo (that’s kind of the point of the story) to, in his words, “science the shit” out of his desperate situation, the bond formed by Rocky and Grace in Project Hail Mary gives the story an added layer of poignancy, comedy, and drama.
As the story unfolds, the two characters use their complementary knowledge and skills as they face seemingly insurmountable odds – all leading to a conclusion that is at once shocking and completely appropriate. And while the trailer leaves just enough of Rocky hidden to allow for a little bit of surprise and wonder for when the movie releases, it reveals the perfect amount to get newcomers and diehard fans excited for next year.
