When Ryan Gosling filmed “Project Hail Mary,” he wasn’t just acting in front of a green screen. Instead, he brought a unique character to life with the help of a puppet operated by James Ortiz, a skilled puppeteer from New York. Ortiz is renowned for his work in theater, where he has brought various creatures, from cows to dinosaurs, to the stage.
Ortiz emphasized the importance of connection in their scenes. “I didn’t want Ryan to feel alone acting opposite a faceless creature,” he shared. Their rehearsal process involved practicing scenes together before introducing the puppet, ensuring they could connect and refine their performances.
Finding a quiet place to chat about this creative journey was a challenge. After navigating through busy cafés and lecture halls, Ortiz and I settled in a quieter space near a theater. He wore a “Batman Forever” sweatshirt, a thoughtful gift from Gosling, which made him smile. Their shared passion for Batman often sparked conversations on set, adding a personal touch to their chemistry.
In “Project Hail Mary,” Rocky is a unique, spider-like creature who communicates in whale songs. Ortiz played a big role in making this odd character relatable. “Rocky is super intelligent, almost like a little brother who just wants to fit in,” he explained. The character’s design aimed to highlight these traits, inspiring feelings of empathy and connection.
Neil Scanlan, a master of creature creation, collaborated with Ortiz, encouraging him to give Rocky a personality. Ortiz worked closely with the design team, often testing how the puppet could move and express emotions.
The crew even made adjustments to the set, ensuring it was designed for the puppeteer’s needs. As Ortiz noted, “Puppeteering rolling in a ball through a ship would be pretty impossible,” illustrating how some scenes required digital effects alongside the practical puppet work.
Communication between Gosling’s character and Rocky is managed through a machine translation system. On set, Ortiz provided Rocky’s dialogue from a sound booth, enabling Gosling to have a tangible scene partner. Ortiz aimed for Rocky’s voice to sound imperfect, reflecting a mix of technology with a human touch—accessible yet slightly flawed.
Despite initially believing the final voice would be replaced by a well-known actor, Ortiz was thrilled when the directors chose to keep his recordings. “Getting that call was incredible,” he recalled, noting the collaborative spirit of the team.
The dynamic between Ortiz and directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller was crucial. Ortiz felt respected and included throughout the process, which fostered creativity. “They’d ask, ‘What do you think Rocky would do?’ and valued my input,” he said, highlighting the collaborative atmosphere and the importance of character development in the filmmaking process.
In an age dominated by CGI, the use of practical puppetry in “Project Hail Mary” shows how filmmakers can create deep emotional connections without relying solely on digital effects. This approach reflects a growing trend in Hollywood where practical effects are making a comeback, proving once again that creativity thrives when artists work together, no matter the medium.
For more insights into the film and the creative process, you can check out resources from industry leaders like Variety.
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James Ortiz,Project Hail Mary,Ryan Gosling
