Hollywood star Ryan Gosling, best known for his recent role in Barbie, has traded the sunny skies of Los Angeles for the rainy shores of Southsea, Hampshire. The 43-year-old actor was recently spotted filming his latest sci-fi thriller, Project Hail Mary, at South Parade Pier, much to the delight of his fans. Gosling, ever the professional, appeared in good spirits, laughing and joking with co-stars and crew despite the gloomy weather.
A New Sci-Fi Adventure for Gosling
Project Hail Mary is an adaptation of Andy Weir’s 2021 novel of the same name. Set in the near future, the movie revolves around Ryland Grace, a junior high school teacher who finds himself thrust into a life-or-death space mission. After waking up from a coma, Ryland, played by Gosling, gradually regains his memory and realizes he’s on a solo mission to save humanity from total extinction. The role offers a stark contrast to Gosling’s Barbie character, Ken, as he trades in his signature pink attire for a more understated look—a yellow windbreaker and spectacles.
Fans flocked to the set in Southsea to catch a glimpse of the actor filming scenes on the pier. Production trucks, equipment, and buses were stationed nearby as curious onlookers gathered, hoping for a sneak peek. Gosling’s down-to-earth demeanor and casual interactions with the crew only heightened the excitement surrounding the film’s production.
A Long-Awaited Project
Produced by Ryan Gosling himself, Project Hail Mary has been in the works for four years. Set to release on May 20, 2026, the film has already generated a significant buzz in Hollywood and among sci-fi fans. The movie is being directed by the duo behind The LEGO Movie, Phil Lord and Chris Miller, adding an extra layer of anticipation. The project also features Milana Vayntrub and Sandra Hüller in key roles, ensuring a star-studded cast.
The official IMDb synopsis for the film reads: “Set in the near future, it centers on junior high school-teacher-turned-astronaut Ryland Grace, who wakes up from a coma afflicted with amnesia. He gradually remembers that he was sent to the Tau Ceti solar system, 12 light-years from Earth, to find a means of reversing a solar dimming event that could cause the extinction of humanity.”
Andy Weir’s Sci-Fi Legacy
Project Hail Mary marks the third major Hollywood adaptation of an Andy Weir novel, following the massive success of The Martian, which starred Matt Damon. Weir’s ability to merge hard science fiction with human drama has made his stories highly sought after by filmmakers. Directors Lord and Miller, who are working on this adaptation, are also in the process of bringing Weir’s 2017 novel Artemis to life. The latter story is set in a distant lunar city and follows a porter and smuggler, further showcasing Weir’s expertise in crafting unique sci-fi worlds.
From Stuntman to Astronaut: Gosling’s Versatile Career
Gosling’s role in Project Hail Mary continues his trend of taking on diverse and challenging roles. Earlier this year, he starred as Colt Seavers in the comedy-action film The Fall Guy alongside Emily Blunt. In the movie, he played a cocky Hollywood stuntman who gets wrapped up in investigating a missing movie star while attempting to rekindle a romance with Blunt’s character, Jody Moreno.
Now, as a schoolteacher-turned-astronaut, Gosling is set to captivate audiences once again. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres—from action and romance to sci-fi—further cements his status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.
A Star-Studded Crew and Cast
While Gosling leads the charge, the supporting cast and crew behind Project Hail Mary bring a wealth of talent to the table. Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller are no strangers to success, having helmed hit films like 21 Jump Street, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Their expertise in blending humor and heart makes them an ideal choice for bringing Weir’s complex and thrilling story to the big screen.
Milana Vayntrub, known for her work in This Is Us and as the AT&T spokesperson, joins the cast alongside Sandra Hüller, an award-winning actress best known for her role in the German film Toni Erdmann. With such a talented team behind it, Project Hail Mary is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2026.
The Southsea Filming Experience
Southsea, a seaside resort located in Hampshire, England, might seem like an unusual setting for a Hollywood film. However, its charming coastal views and iconic pier provided a perfect backdrop for certain scenes in Project Hail Mary. Despite the overcast skies and occasional drizzle, the cast and crew were seen making the best of the situation, with Gosling even taking time to chat with fans between takes.
For locals, having a Hollywood star like Gosling film in their town was a surreal experience. Many flocked to South Parade Pier in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the actor in action. The combination of Gosling’s star power and the allure of a sci-fi blockbuster brought a sense of excitement to the typically quiet seaside town.
Looking Forward to the Release
With Project Hail Mary still in production, fans will have to wait until 2026 to see Ryan Gosling in action as Ryland Grace. However, the early buzz and excitement surrounding the film suggest it will be well worth the wait. As one of the few actors who can seamlessly move between mainstream blockbusters and more niche, character-driven films, Gosling’s portrayal of Ryland Grace is sure to be a highlight of his already impressive career.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to behind-the-scenes glimpses and set photos, which will no doubt continue to circulate as filming progresses. As Gosling trades the glitz and glamour of Hollywood for the drizzly shores of Southsea, it’s clear that Project Hail Mary is shaping up to be a unique and thrilling addition to the sci-fi genre.
