Ryan Gosling shares how creativity solved on-set loneliness in ‘Project Hail Mary’

Ryan Gosling faced an unusual challenge while filming his upcoming sci-fi film Project Hail Mary working largely alone in space. 

But thanks to some creative thinking from his directors, he ended up with one of the most unexpected co-stars imaginable: a dressed-up mop.

The 45-year-old actor, who plays astronaut Dr. Ryland Grace in the film, opened up about the experience in an exclusive interview with People, admitting that the isolation of the role was something new for him. 

“I’m used to having a costar and I really enjoy that dynamic. So to be alone for so much of it was new,” he shared.

Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film follows Gosling’s character on a high-stakes mission in deep space, where much of the story unfolds with him working solo. 

Even scenes involving an alien companion didn’t provide the usual interaction, as the creature was operated through puppetry rather than a traditional actor.

At one point during filming, Gosling admitted he began to feel the effects of prolonged solitude on set. That’s when the directors stepped in with an unconventional solution.

“They went and made a mop into a person,” Gosling recalled. The improvised “co-star” was given glasses, a dress, and a name, Moppy Ringwald, a playful nod to actress Molly Ringwald.

The actor embraced the moment fully, revealing he spent the day “dancing and singing and crying” alongside the mop, an improvised scene that ultimately made it into the final cut of the film.

Gosling praised the directors’ spontaneous approach, noting their willingness to adapt and bring creativity to the set. 

“They will put their plans for the day aside and go and make you a mop friend if you need one,” he said.

The film, adapted from Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, also stars Sandra Hüller and is set to hit theaters on March 20.