The pairing felt unexpected, yet undeniably effective. Ryan Gosling shares the screen with Sandra Hüller, the German actress who captivated audiences in Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall” (winner of the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay in 2024), in Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s “Project Hail Mary.” The film, based on the acclaimed science fiction novel of the same name, is a surprisingly heartwarming and humorous story about a professor of science who wakes up alone on a spaceship, adrift in space with no memory of who he is or why he’s there. As his memories return, he realizes he’s humanity’s last hope to save the sun – and Earth – from extinction. Hüller plays Eva Stratt, the determined leader overseeing this high-stakes mission.
Hüller’s ascent in Hollywood comes at a pivotal moment, following a career built on critically acclaimed performances in European cinema. The actress, who recently received an Academy Award nomination for her role in “Anatomy of a Fall,” found herself unexpectedly drawn to a project so far removed from her previous perform. “Project Hail Mary” represents not just a foray into blockbuster filmmaking, but a shift in the types of roles she’s been offered. The film is set to release in France on March 18 and in the United States on March 20, according to reports.
“Hollywood wasn’t a goal”
Meeting Hüller at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, she readily admits that a career in Hollywood wasn’t part of her original plan. “I was doing theater, and someone one day thought I should be in a film,” she explained. She clarifies that she never harbored specific career ambitions. “I just tried to grow as a person and as an actress, accepting projects that took me out of my comfort zone.” This willingness to embrace the unfamiliar ultimately led her to “Project Hail Mary.”
Hüller was drawn to the character of Eva Stratt, describing her as “powerful, successful, and driven—someone who can compartmentalize her emotions to achieve her goals.” This marked a departure from roles where she often portrayed women “punished for what they’ve accomplished.” The opportunity to work alongside Ryan Gosling was also a significant factor. “I’ve been a fan for a long time, I couldn’t have said no,” she said.
“Ryan Gosling is highly focused and very fun at the same time”
Hüller recounted their first encounter on set, while she was undergoing hair, makeup, and costume fittings, and Gosling was already filming scenes inside the spaceship. “He was on his lunch break. We were introduced. We exchanged a few words, said it would be nice, I tried to breathe, and then we started shooting. We got to know each other on set. It was a real pleasure. He’s someone who makes you experience seen, wanted. He’s very focused and fun at the same time. I couldn’t have imagined anyone better for a first time.”
Hüller also noted a difference in the production environment compared to European filmmaking. “I didn’t have any expectations. I just tried not to mess it up,” she said, describing the set as surprisingly relaxed, and supportive. “The set was so kind and warm, it felt like we had time, which wasn’t actually the case.”
While “Project Hail Mary” may open doors to further American projects, Hüller doesn’t foresee relocating to Los Angeles. “To be honest, I’m a single mother, so I try not to be too far from home, or in a place I can’t drive to myself when I want to. Some decisions have that limitation.” She consulted her 15-year-old daughter before accepting the role. “She read the book, she told me I had to play this character, and she approved the song.”
And yes, she sings in the film. In a memorable karaoke scene, Hüller, as Eva Stratt, performs Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times.” “The character of Eva would have worked without it, but Ryan Gosling, who is also a producer on the film, wanted her to sing in this farewell scene. We found this Harry Styles song, which is so attractive, moving, and perfectly suited to the situation. It was fun to shoot and terrifying at the same time, given that you can spectacularly fail at karaoke, and she couldn’t mess it up. She stops before the really difficult part at the end, when it goes very high. She’s clever,” Hüller said with a smile.
As Sandra Hüller’s star continues to rise, her commitment to choosing roles that challenge and inspire remains clear. The success of “Project Hail Mary” will undoubtedly lead to new opportunities, but Hüller’s priorities—both personal and artistic—will continue to guide her path. The film’s release marks a significant moment in her career, bridging the gap between European art-house cinema and mainstream Hollywood appeal.
You can notice Hüller’s singing talents in “Project Hail Mary,” opening in French cinemas on March 18 and in the United States on March 20.
