Artemis II crew viewed Ryan Gosling’s Project Hail Mary prior to historic lunar mission

Before embarking on their landmark lunar voyage, the Artemis II astronauts found a moment of relaxation by watching Ryan Gosling’s new science fiction film, *Project Hail Mary*. Jeremy Hansen, one of the mission specialists, described the experience as a ‘real treat’, saying that the film, which they viewed while in quarantine, helped prepare them mentally for their own adventure in space. Gosling stars as Ryland Grace, a science teacher who journeys into space to save humanity, with Sandra Hüller and Lionel Boyce joining the cast. Since its March release, the film has become the highest-grossing Hollywood production of the year, overtaking the latest *Avatar* instalment. Hansen praised Gosling’s performance and the film’s inspiring portrayal of scientific courage and perseverance. The Artemis II mission crew — comprising commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and specialists Hansen and Christina Koch — made history as the first humans in over 50 years to fly around the Moon, reaching farther from Earth than any previous crew. Their seven-hour lunar flyby included a 40-minute communication blackout while passing the Moon’s far side. The team is expected to splash down in the Pacific on Friday after a four-day return journey. Gosling also sent a video message wishing the astronauts good luck on their record-breaking expedition. *Project Hail Mary*, directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller and adapted from Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, has grossed over $300 million worldwide from a production budget of $200 million.