How Ryan Gosling’s Project Hail Mary Role Is Connected to His Kids

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Ryan Gosling felt more than a cosmic connection to Project Hail Mary.

The actor explained how being a father to his daughters, Esmeralda, 11, and Amada, 9, with Eva Mendes, gave the film, based on a story by Andy Weir, a hopeful message about the future.

Ryan, who has two young children, recently told Travis and Jason Kelce on their New Heights podcast that he feels like a lot of things are created to frighten kids. He expressed how thankful he was to be able to create something for his children – and maybe even their generation – that would remind people of the good things humans are capable of.

What I really appreciate about this approach is its honesty. It doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that challenges will inevitably arise, but it’s incredibly hopeful because it firmly believes we can overcome them. It’s not about pretending everything will be easy, it’s about having confidence in our ability to find solutions, and that’s really inspiring to me.

The author’s view of people really resonated with the 45-year-old actor, who plays Ryland Grace, a science teacher who becomes an astronaut.

What I admire most about Andy is his genuine belief in people – in us. He truly sees what we’re capable of achieving, and it’s not just empty positivity. It’s a grounded optimism, because he constantly points out that every major breakthrough in history started as something people thought was impossible. He really drives that point home in everything he does.

He went on to say that people are the reason these achievements happened. We constantly turn the impossible into reality – it’s what we do best, and it’s something truly special to recognize.

Being involved in a project that was both hopeful and well-received was a dream come true.

I feel very fortunate to have been a part of this film,” said the Barbie star. “The original book was fantastic, and author Andy Weir has created what many consider to be one of the greatest science fiction novels ever written.

As fans anticipate the theatrical release of Project Hail Mary, here are some other books that have successfully been turned into movies and TV shows.

The upcoming Apple TV+ series is based on Laura Dave’s novel, The First Time I Saw Him, which will be available for purchase on January 6, 2026. The series stars Jennifer Garner, Angourie Rice, David Morse, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Judy Greer, and Rita Wilson, and will premiere on February 20, 2026.

Season two of the popular Apple series picks up with Hannah Hall (Garner) and her stepdaughter Bailey (Rice) five years after the disappearance of Owen (Coster-Waldau), Bailey’s father and Hannah’s husband. They’ve built a new life, but their peace is shattered when Owen unexpectedly reappears just before a devastating family event. This sets off a dangerous chain of events, forcing Hannah and Bailey to fight for their survival.

Based On: Julia Quinn‘s 2001 Bridgerton novel An Offer From A Gentleman

The show stars Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, Jonathan Bailey, Claudia Jessie, Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Adjoa Andoh, Ruth Gemmell, Katie Leung, Michelle Mao, and Isabella Wei.

Release Date: Part One: January 29, 2026; Part Two: February, 26, 2026, on Netflix

Fans are eagerly anticipating the next season of the show, as Benedict Bridgerton finally begins a love story after spending three seasons searching for his place within his family and understanding who he is. New actress Ha joins the cast as Sophie Baek, who will be his romantic interest.

Based on: Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel

Release Date: In theaters February 13, 2026

Starring: Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie

We’re thrilled to announce a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights! Director Emerald Fennell, who brought us Saltburn, is working with stars Jacob Elordi and Robbie again to reimagine the story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff in a fresh and unique way.

Oh my gosh, you guys, I am SO excited for this! It’s based on Ashley Hoover’s incredible 2022 novel, and I’ve been counting down the days! The cast is amazing – Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, and even Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford! Seriously, dream team! It hits theaters February 13, 2026, and I already have my tickets practically booked. The story is about Kenna, who goes back home to reconnect with her daughter, but ends up finding a surprising connection with the owner of a local bar. And get this – Ashley Hoover didn’t just write the book, she co-wrote the screenplay with Lauren Levine! She’s really pouring her heart and soul into making this the perfect adaptation. I’ve loved everything she’s written, and I know this is going to be incredible. Five years is way too long to wait, but it’ll be worth it!

This new series is based on the hugely successful book series by Patricia Cornwell, which includes 26 novels. The show stars Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana DeBose, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, and Jake Cannavale. It will premiere on Prime Video on March 11, 2026. We’re particularly excited because Nicole Kidman is known for starring in captivating shows (like Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers, and The Undoing), and this series features her alongside award-winning actresses as crime-fighting sisters – making it a strong contender for our favorite new show of the year.

 

Based On: Andy Weir’s 2021 novel of the same name

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller and Milana Vayntrub

Release Date: In theaters March 20, 2026

We’re thrilled about this new story! Ryan Gosling isn’t just an astronaut who’s been to space – he’s now the only survivor of a mission to the Tau Ceti star system, 12 light-years away, after waking up from a coma. And now, completely alone, he has to finish the mission and find a way to prevent the sun from dimming and save everyone on Earth. No big deal, right?

Based on: Rufi Thorpe’s 2024 novel
Starring: Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer and Nicole Kidman

The series will debut on Apple TV on April 15, 2026. We’re particularly excited about it because of the casting of Nicole Kidman. The show is based on a fantastic book by Thorpe about a woman who, as a single mom at 20, turns to OnlyFans after a background that includes her mother working at Hooters and her father being a former professional wrestler. With Kidman on board, this eight-episode series is definitely one to watch.

Based on: Hoover‘s 2021 book

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett

Premieres: In theaters May 15, 2026

We’re thrilled about this project, especially with Anne, Dakota, and Josh on board! The story – about a writer taking over a popular book series after the original author has an accident – is full of surprises and suspense. Having these talented actors bring it to the screen makes it even more promising.

Based On: The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Stockard Channing, Dianne Weist, Joey King

Premieres: In theaters September 18, 2026

We’re thrilled to announce the long-awaited sequel! Almost thirty years after the first movie, this new film – based on a novel by Andrew Hoffman – continues the story of the Owens family. Sally, Gillian, Frances, and Jet must now deal with the family curse as it starts to affect their daughters and granddaughters.

Based On: Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel

The film stars Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jesse Plemons, and Ralph Fiennes. It will be released in theaters on November 20, 2026.

We’re thrilled to announce that Lionsgate will be making a movie about Haymitch Abernathy’s past! This news came on the same day as the announcement of the next Hunger Games film. The movie will focus on Haymitch’s journey to winning the 50th Hunger Games – the games that shaped him into the mentor we know from the story of Katniss and Peeta.

 

This movie is based on Ali Hazelwood’s popular 2021 novel. Starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, it’s a big-screen adaptation of the fake-dating romance that became a sensation on TikTok. What makes this project especially interesting? Tom Bateman is married to Daisy Ridley, who played Rey in Star Wars—the story that originally inspired the novel as fanfiction about Rey and Kylo Ren. With that connection and Reinhart’s involvement, this is definitely a movie to watch!

 

Based on Holly Gramazio’s 2024 novel and starring Juno Temple, this upcoming Apple TV series centers around Lauren, a woman who comes home one day to find a husband she’s never met. Soon, husband after husband appears, seemingly from nowhere. The story follows Lauren as she tries to understand this bizarre situation and ultimately decide what she truly wants out of life – and whether she’ll take control to achieve it.

This new series is based on Elin Hilderbrand’s 2023 novel and stars Jennifer Garner. It will be available to stream on Peacock, with the premiere date still to be announced. Garner plays Hollis, a food blogger whose life is shaken up by a personal tragedy. To help herself heal, she plans a special weekend getaway with her best friends, but old tensions and hidden secrets quickly surface, threatening to derail everything. Fans of Hilderbrand’s beach reads and Garner’s acting are sure to be hooked!

Oh my gosh, you guys, I’m practically vibrating with excitement! Stephanie Meyer finally gave us what we’ve been waiting for – a retelling of Twilight from Edward’s perspective! It took over a decade, but it’s happening! And get this – it’s going to be an animated series on Netflix! I’ve dreamed of seeing Edward’s story told this way, and honestly, just imagining seeing his sparkly skin in animation is enough to make me lose my mind. I’m already marking my calendar – this is going to be epic!

This upcoming Apple TV series is based on Marissa Stapley’s 2021 book and stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Drew Starkey, Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The story follows a young woman who returns to a life of deception – something she grew up with – in order to build a secure future. With Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine producing and a fantastic supporting cast, it’s a show we’re really looking forward to!

Based On: Emily Henry‘s 2024 novel

Starring: TBD

Premieres: TBD on Netflix

We’re looking forward to the upcoming adaptation of a popular 2024 novel! The story follows Daphne as she rebuilds her life after her fiancé, Peter, ends their engagement to pursue a relationship with his childhood friend, Petra. Helping Daphne along the way is Miles, Petra’s ex-boyfriend.

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2026-03-18 16:48