Puppeteer James Ortiz Brings 'Project Hail Mary' Alien Rocky to Life

Ortiz's improvisational chemistry with star Ryan Gosling was key to the film's breakout success.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:20pm

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James Ortiz, a New York-based theater artist and puppeteer, spent months on the London set of the hit sci-fi film 'Project Hail Mary,' providing the voice and overseeing the puppetry for the rock-like alien character Rocky. Ortiz's close collaboration with leading man Ryan Gosling, including lengthy improvisational takes, was crucial to bringing the heartwarming friendship between the two characters to life on screen.

Why it matters

The success of 'Project Hail Mary,' which has grossed over $322 million globally, highlights the importance of the creative partnership between actors and puppeteers in bringing fantastical characters to life. Ortiz's work demonstrates how an actor's chemistry with a non-human co-star can be just as crucial as their human-to-human interactions.

The details

Ortiz landed the role of Rocky after a successful chemistry read with Gosling in Los Angeles, where he used his own custom-made puppet instead of the one provided. Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller encouraged Ortiz and Gosling to improvise lengthy 45-minute takes, allowing the two to develop a genuine rapport. Ortiz worked closely with special effects artist Neal Scanlan to build the five-limbed Rocky puppet, and he assembled a team of puppeteers he dubbed the 'Rockets' to help operate it. Despite initial plans to replace Ortiz's voice with a more famous actor, Lord and Miller ultimately decided to keep Ortiz's performance after being impressed by the nuances he brought to the role.

  • Ortiz spent six months filming in London.
  • The movie has grossed over $322 million globally, making it the biggest hit of the year so far.

The players

James Ortiz

A New York-based theater artist and puppeteer who provided the voice and oversaw the puppetry for the character Rocky in 'Project Hail Mary.'

Ryan Gosling

The leading man of 'Project Hail Mary,' who starred opposite Ortiz's Rocky character.

Phil Lord

The co-director of 'Project Hail Mary,' who worked closely with Ortiz and Gosling to develop the characters' improvised rapport.

Chris Miller

The co-director of 'Project Hail Mary,' who also collaborated with Ortiz and Gosling on the film.

Neal Scanlan

The special effects artist who worked with Ortiz to build the Rocky puppet.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes, it was 45-minute takes of just us playing stuff.”

— James Ortiz, Puppeteer

“Ryan has a really arresting quality of really looking you in the eyes and really talking to you.”

— James Ortiz, Puppeteer

“The idea of hiring an actor to come and imitate what really happened on set and the little nuances that were happening seemed like a crazy proposition. He did such a good job and he really was Rocky. That really became a no-brainer.”

— Chris Miller, Co-Director

“In animation, you say 'you never trace a drawing.' It's like it loses its life — that moment when it gets created is the thing you want to capture.”

— Phil Lord, Co-Director

What’s next

Author Andy Weir is considering sequel ideas for 'Project Hail Mary,' and multiple sources have indicated that a sequel movie is a possibility.

The takeaway

The success of 'Project Hail Mary' underscores the importance of the creative partnership between actors and puppeteers in bringing fantastical characters to life on screen. Ortiz's improvisational chemistry with leading man Ryan Gosling was a key factor in the film's breakout success, demonstrating how non-human co-stars can be just as crucial to a performance as human-to-human interactions.