Who plays Rocky in Project Hail Mary? Meet the “special” star behind 2026’s best character

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The movie Project Hail Mary is now playing in theaters! While Ryan Gosling gives a great performance in this highly-rated sci-fi film, audiences are sure to fall in love with his alien co-star, Rocky, even more.

Turning Andy Weir’s popular novel into a movie meant finding a way to realistically portray Rocky, an alien who’s essentially a sentient rock with five limbs. The filmmakers succeeded, and the resulting character has fantastic on-screen chemistry with Ryan Gosling’s character, Ryland Grace, creating moments that are both funny and emotionally moving.

Many people probably anticipated a famous actor voicing Rocky, and the filmmakers even considered Meryl Streep for the role – you can actually hear a sample of her voice as Rocky in the movie. Ultimately, though, they chose James Ortiz to voice and puppeteer Rocky, making him the lead puppeteer on set as well.

You might not know the name Ortiz, as he’s best known for his work in theatre. He won a Drama Desk Award in 2022 for his outstanding puppet design in The Skin of Our Teeth, and critics praised his performance as Milky White in the 2022 Broadway production of Into the Woods.

In an interview with Digital Spy before the release of Project Hail Mary, Gosling realized he should have known he’d ultimately be the one voicing Rocky, recalling their on-set experiences.

Gosling remembered that when James Ortiz first auditioned for Rocky, they’d met with many talented puppeteers. But Ortiz immediately surprised everyone by setting aside the puppet they’d given him and performing with just his hand. Gosling said it was clear right then that Ortiz truly understood the character.

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After that, we started filming. The main character was a puppet, operated by six puppeteers, and the director was coordinating everything. But he had such a strong understanding of the character – even beyond what was in the script – that he knew how the character would behave in any given situation. He’d instinctively know what the character wouldn’t do or say, or where he wouldn’t go, making it feel incredibly real.

We could easily ad-lib for long periods because he understood the character so well. As I learned about Rocky through filming, I also got to know the actor behind the role, which created a unique and interesting dynamic. I believe that connection gave the movie something special.

After watching Project Hail Mary, you’ll understand why the connection between the characters Grace and Rocky is so special. Their chemistry feels authentic because the actors performed together on set, unlike some films where dialogue is added later by a voice actor. This strong bond is a major reason why the movie is so good.

Or as Rocky would say it, amaze amaze amaze.

Project Hail Mary is out now in cinemas.

The latest issue of Living Legends, a vibrant 100-page tribute to Harry Styles, is now available! You can find it at newsstands or purchase it online.

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2026-03-19 14:50