Ryan Gosling's 'Project Hail Mary' Castmate Gives Blunt Opinion of Beloved Actor
Ryan Gosling has starred in no shortage of hits throughout his acting career, and from the sound of it, he likely has another slam dunk in Project Hail Mary. While Gosling has thrived in a broad range of roles, including The Notebook, Drive, La La Land, Barbie, and many in between, the intrigue and hype surrounding Project Hail Mary continue to build. And ahead of the movie’s official release, the cast has spoken on a broad range of topics, but one of Gosling’s castmates, Priya Kansara, was a wide-open book during a recent interview—specifically when discussing Gosling.
Kansara, 31, was asked about working with the Oscar-nominated actor on the set of the highly anticipated sci-fi film, and didn’t hold back her thoughts at all.
Co-Star Calls Gosling 'Amazing' and a 'Generous Collaborator'
The blunt assessment at the March 9 London premiere of Project Hail Mary was surprising, but only because of how candidly she spoke about Gosling. Kansara, 31, who plays a molecular biologist in the film and also stars in Bridgerton, opened up to Press Association about her experience alongside Gosling during production. The candid remarks come as the Amazon MGM Studios film prepares for its March 20 theatrical release, adapted from Andy Weir's bestselling novel about a science teacher who wakes on a spacecraft with amnesia and must save Earth from extinction. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the 2-hour, 36-minute epic features Gosling, 45, alongside Sandra Hüller, and has already generated positive early buzz from critics and industry insiders.
Kansara’s comments went beyond typical Hollywood politeness and began with a strong three-word evaluation of working with Gosling on Project Hail Mary.
"It was amazing," she told Press Association at the Cineworld Leicester Square premiere.
Kansara continued by praising the "masterclass" she had with Gosling on set, while explaining how much she learned throughout filming the movie.
"Getting to watch Ryan work every day and be there on set, and doing it live with him ... I got to sit and have a masterclass every day and he's such a generous collaborator. It was such a collaborative effort, I learnt so much."
Her comments echo praise from another castmate, James Ortiz, who serves as lead puppeteer for the film's alien character Rocky. Ortiz revealed the emotional depth of working with Gosling:
"If Ryan was having an emotional scene, the hardest thing was me not crying," he explained to the Press Association. "Because Ryan is so good at (acting)."
Early Reviews Praise Gosling's Performance in Andy Weir Adaptation
Project Hail Mary arrives with high expectations, marking the second Andy Weir novel to be adapted to the big screen, following 2015's The Martian starring Matt Damon. Early press screenings have generated enthusiastic reactions, with several early viewers of the film issuing stellar feedback on social media, as The Hollywood Reporter detailed.
Animator Jorge R. Gutierrez called it "epic, sprawling, hilarious, visionary, soulful, heartfelt, timely, hopeful, gorgeous," while film journalist Eric Kohn praised the adaptation for continuing Weir's ability to transform complex science into accessible entertainment.
What @philiplord and @chrizmillr have done with Project Hail Mary is nothing short of miraculous! Epic, sprawling, hilarious, visionary, soulful, heartfelt, timely, hopeful, gorgeous and did I mention epic!?! What a joy to witness cinema that feels like it hugs you back. pic.twitter.com/4pA0KG0Xsj
— Jorge R. Gutierrez (@mexopolis) February 27, 2026
Media personality Maude Garrett specifically highlighted Gosling, praising the actor as "SO perfect as Ryland Grace," adding that the film faithfully adapts the beloved source material.
#ProjectHailMary is my fave standalone book of all time.
— Maude Garrett (@maudegarrett) February 25, 2026
This movie needed to be perfect.
I’m giddy to say: This movie faithfully & brilliantly adapts the book. I loved everything about it! Gosling is SO perfect as Ryland Grace.
I laughed, cried, laugh-cried the whole time! pic.twitter.com/dikasWFBmU
The production represents a major collaboration between Amazon MGM Studios (domestic distribution) and Sony Pictures Releasing International. Project Hail Mary is set to debut in IMAX in select theaters. Along with playing the lead role of Ryland Grace, Gosling also serves as a producer on the project, which was filmed from June through October 2024 at Shepperton Studios in the United Kingdom.
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