Canadian Astronaut Praises 'Project Hail Mary' Starring Ryan Gosling

Artemis II crew member says the new space film was 'a real treat' to watch before their lunar mission.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 9:25pm

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Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who is set to become the first non-U.S. citizen to fly to the moon as part of the Artemis II mission, praised the new space film 'Project Hail Mary' starring fellow Canadian Ryan Gosling. Hansen said he and his crewmates got to watch the movie with their families before launching on their lunar fly-around, calling it 'a real treat' to view the inspirational film as they prepared for their own space adventure.

Why it matters

The positive review from an actual astronaut about a major Hollywood space film highlights the growing intersection between science, space exploration, and popular culture. As space travel becomes more accessible, movies that authentically depict the challenges and triumphs of space missions can help inspire the next generation of explorers.

The details

Jeremy Hansen, a Canadian astronaut selected for the Artemis II mission, said he and his crewmates were able to watch the new film 'Project Hail Mary' starring Ryan Gosling before their upcoming lunar fly-around. Hansen praised the film, saying it was 'a real treat' to view the movie as they prepared for their own space journey. Gosling, who is also Canadian, sent best wishes to the Artemis II astronauts ahead of their launch scheduled for April 5, 2026.

  • The Artemis II mission is set to launch on April 5, 2026.
  • The astronauts watched 'Project Hail Mary' with their families before the launch.

The players

Jeremy Hansen

A Canadian astronaut selected for the Artemis II mission, which will make him the first non-U.S. citizen to fly to the moon.

Ryan Gosling

A Canadian actor starring in the new space film 'Project Hail Mary'.

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What they’re saying

“'Art imitates science and vice versa. I thought it was just such an inspirational example — somebody who goes out there and just gets what was done to save humanity. It's a pretty extraordinary example that we can all follow.'”

— Jeremy Hansen, Canadian Astronaut

“'It was a real treat to view the movie while getting ready for my own space adventure.'”

— Jeremy Hansen, Canadian Astronaut

What’s next

The Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch on April 5, 2026, sending the four-person crew, including Hansen, on a lunar fly-around mission.

The takeaway

As space exploration becomes more accessible, movies that authentically depict the challenges and triumphs of space missions can help inspire the next generation of explorers. The positive review from an actual astronaut about 'Project Hail Mary' highlights the growing intersection between science, space travel, and popular culture.