Computer-generated imagery (CGI) has improved so much that filmmakers can now create almost any visual effect imaginable. Movies like James Cameron’s Avatar wouldn’t exist without these technological advancements. However, directors still prefer to use practical effects whenever they can, even for large-scale science fiction films set in space. This month’s Project Hail Mary demonstrates this approach. While the film is designed for a huge screen experience and promises impressive visuals, directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller prioritized making it feel realistic and believable.
While promoting their new film, Project Hail Mary, Lord and Miller spoke with ComicBook about its stunning visual effects. Lord highlighted the character Rocky as a particular achievement. He explained that Rocky’s creation, from initial design before the script was even written, to the physical build and expressive movements, and finally the work of the CG artists and animators, showcased the collaborative spirit and artistry throughout the entire movie.
Miller explained that a key element of the film’s success was its commitment to practical effects. No green screens were used at all – the entire spaceship was constructed as a physical set, both inside and out. This allowed the actors, including the animatronic Rocky, to be truly present in the scenes. The director praised the work of cinematographer Greig Fraser and his team, who used practical lighting to create a natural and immersive environment. This approach gave the camera freedom to move and capture authentic reactions between characters, making the scenes feel spontaneous and real, rather than relying on imagined visuals or post-production effects.
Practical Effects Should Make Project Hail Mary A Better Film
Even though the filmmakers, Lord and Miller, avoided using traditional blue and green screens, the movie Project Hail Mary still relies heavily on digital effects. Lord was careful to acknowledge the CGI artists who helped create the character of Rocky. It’s still remarkable how much of the film was done practically – meaning, filmed with real sets and props. Many large Hollywood movies use green and blue screens to expand sets, adding to the environment later on. While this is a useful technique, it often means actors are performing in a limited physical space.
The directors, Lord and Miller, used a hands-on approach to filming Project Hail Mary, which will make the movie feel bigger and more like a true cinematic experience. By building and filming inside actual sets, rather than relying on digital backgrounds, the camera has more freedom to move and capture shots from any angle. This practical approach creates a more believable and immersive experience for the audience, helping them connect with the film’s complex sci-fi ideas.
The techniques of directors Lord and Miller are particularly crucial to Project Hail Mary, especially in bringing the character of Rocky to life – he’s arguably the most important part of the film. As the latest trailer showed, the connection between Ryland Grace and Rocky is the emotional heart of the story. While the film is about saving Earth, it’s fundamentally a story about friendship. To make that connection believable, Rocky needed to feel like a real presence, and having a physical model on set greatly helped Ryan Gosling react and perform throughout filming.
Early buzz suggests that Project Hail Mary will be a major movie event in 2026. The marketing is encouraging audiences to see it in the best possible formats – like IMAX – and for good reason. It’s a visually stunning film made for large screens. Many who’ve seen it already say it’s a remarkable film, showcasing the growth of directors Lord and Miller. Hopefully, the experience they gained with Project Hail Mary will benefit their future sci-fi project, Artemis, which is currently in the works.
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2026-03-03 22:19