Meryl Streep’s unexpected role in 'Project Hail Mary' came together thanks to producer

Ryan Gosling is sharing the story behind an unexpected collaboration with Meryl Streep, and it started with a simple act of kindness.

In his new sci-fi film Project Hail Mary, Gosling, 45, stars as astronaut Dr. Ryland Grace, who forms an unlikely bond with an alien named Rocky while trying to save Earth’s dying sun.

In a brief, uncredited cameo, Streep lends her voice to the alien during a moment when Grace experiments with translating Rocky’s speech.

The surprise appearance came together thanks to producer Amy Pascal, Gosling revealed.

“We have to thank Amy Pascal, who's friends with Meryl,” he told People, noting that he doesn’t personally have that kind of close relationship with the Oscar-winning actress.

Still, Gosling shared that one memorable encounter with Streep left a lasting impression. Recalling the 2017 Screen Actors Guild Awards, he said, “My tie was crooked, and she fixed it for me and then just walked off!”

He added with admiration, “She’s just amazing.”

Their connection goes back even further. At the 2007 Academy Awards, Gosling once asked Streep to compliment his mother, Donna, who was feeling unsure about her hairstyle.

Streep obliged and went a step further by telling her she wished she had styled her own hair the same way.

While Streep’s cameo is brief, the role of Rocky is primarily performed by puppeteer and actor James Ortiz.

In some scenes, Gosling even rehearsed lines with his daughters, Esmeralda Amada, 11, and Amada Lee, 9, whom he shares with partner Eva Mendes.

Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, and adapted by Drew Goddard from Andy Weir’s novel, Project Hail Mary also stars Sandra Hüller and Lionel Boyce. The film hit theaters on March 20.