The upcoming science fiction adventure Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling, is generating buzz not just for its compelling premise—an astronaut waking up with amnesia on a desperate mission to save Earth—but also for a surprisingly analog approach to its visual effects. While modern blockbusters often rely heavily on green screen technology, the filmmakers, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, deliberately chose to build practical sets and minimize the use of digitally created backgrounds, aiming for a more immersive and believable cinematic experience.
The decision to prioritize practical effects wasn’t about rejecting visual effects altogether, but rather about how those effects were achieved. As director Christopher Miller explained in a recent interview with ComicBook.com, “There is no green screen in the movie whatsoever. Not a single green or blue screen was used.” This commitment extended to constructing a substantial portion of the spaceship itself, allowing actors to interact with a tangible environment rather than imagining it against a digital backdrop.
This approach, according to Miller, was key to creating a sense of realism. “The whole ship was built as a set from the inside,” he said. “We had a huge section of the exterior of the ship on the outside that we built. [The alien character] Rocky was really with us at all times. That’s what makes it feel real and makes it feel natural … and the way that [cinematographer Greig Fraser’s] team lit with a lot of practical lights allowed him to move the camera wherever and find these moments.” The film, scheduled for release on March 20, 2026, is already garnering attention for its innovative techniques.
A Tangible Spaceship and a Unique Alien Encounter
The dedication to practical effects extended beyond the ship’s interior. The filmmakers constructed a significant portion of the exterior as well, providing a physical presence for the actors to function against. This was particularly important when interacting with “Rocky,” the alien character central to the story. Rather than relying solely on computer-generated imagery, the production team employed a combination of puppetry and animation to bring Rocky to life.
Phil Lord elaborated on the process, stating, “Holistically, from his design that started before we even had a script, to physically printing him out and painting him and having him move in ways that were expressive, and to the CG artists and animators that took the baton … and kept being expressive and bring their own personality to it,” Lord said of Rocky’s creation. “It’s emblematic of what happens through the whole movie.” This blend of practical and digital techniques aimed to create an alien character that felt genuinely present and emotionally resonant.
Clarifying the Role of Visual Effects
Following the initial reports about the absence of green screen, Christopher Miller took to X (formerly Twitter) to provide further clarification. He acknowledged that Project Hail Mary still utilizes thousands of visual effects shots, but emphasized that the goal was to avoid using green screen as a substitute for thoughtful set design and lighting.
Some clarification here: “no green screen” doesn’t mean “no VFX”.
There were, in fact, thousands of VFX shots in the film (2018!)
Green screen is sometimes used in lieu of building sets or figuring out locations/lighting in advance, which can be noticeable if not done carefully,… pic.twitter.com/m5LWzuhTT7— Christopher Miller (@chrizmillr) March 4, 2026
“Green screen is sometimes used in lieu of building sets or figuring out locations/lighting in advance, which can be noticeable if not done carefully, and is something we didn’t want to do,” Miller wrote. He detailed how the team shot Ryan Gosling against black backgrounds for space scenes and shifting hues for planetary auroras, allowing for more natural lighting interactions. Exterior space shots and the creation of Rocky were handled by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Framestore, respectively, showcasing a collaborative effort between practical and digital artistry.
The Benefits of a Hands-On Approach
The decision to prioritize practical effects in Project Hail Mary reflects a growing trend in filmmaking, where directors are seeking ways to create more immersive and believable worlds. While visual effects remain a crucial tool, the reliance on green screen can sometimes result in a sterile or artificial look. By building physical sets and incorporating practical lighting, filmmakers can create a more tangible environment for actors and viewers alike.
This approach also offers benefits during post-production. As Miller explained, the use of practical lighting allowed cinematographer Greig Fraser to move the camera freely and capture spontaneous moments that might be difficult to achieve with a solely digital environment. The combination of practical elements and carefully crafted visual effects promises a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience for audiences.
The film stars Ryan Gosling as Dr. Ryland Grace, alongside Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, and Milana Vayntrub, and is directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the duo behind The Lego Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The film is based on the 2021 novel by Andy Weir, author of The Martian. The budget for Project Hail Mary is reported at $200 million (net), with a gross budget of $248 million, according to Wikipedia.
What’s Next for ‘Project Hail Mary’
With the release date of March 20, 2026, rapidly approaching, anticipation is building for Project Hail Mary. The filmmakers have emphasized their commitment to delivering a visually spectacular and emotionally resonant story, and the innovative use of practical effects suggests a unique cinematic experience. The next major milestone will be the release of further promotional materials, including additional trailers and behind-the-scenes footage, offering a deeper look into the world of Project Hail Mary and the challenges faced by its intrepid astronaut.
What are your thoughts on the move towards more practical effects in blockbuster filmmaking? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow science fiction fans.
