Kermode & Mayo’s Take

Episode: Ryan Gosling on PROJECT HAIL MARY
Date: March 12, 2026
Hosts: Mark Kermode & Simon Mayo
Podcast by: Sony Music Entertainment

Overview

This episode focuses on the highly anticipated new sci-fi film "Project Hail Mary," based on Andy Weir's novel. Mark Kermode interviews star Ryan Gosling about his role and the making of the movie. The episode also features reviews of new releases ("Scarlet," "How to Make a Killing," "One Last Deal"), a rundown of the UK and US box office, listener correspondence, the ever-popular “Laughter Lift,” and ongoing playful banter about recurring podcast in-jokes and pop culture references.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ongoing Podcast Banter and In-Jokes (03:00–08:45)

• Mark and Simon riff on the confusion over similarly-named actors (Sarsgaard/Skarsgard/Sarsteds), highlighting the persistent running joke, which, according to them, is intentionally silly:
  • "We both understand that Peter Sarsgaard and Stellan Skarsgard, who have names that are not the same... are not related. It was a joke." (Mark, 06:22)
• The two also extend the joke to other surnames and British music, referencing The Beatles, The Jam, and more.
• Listener corrections and YouTube comments regarding previous episodes are addressed with humor and meta-commentary.

2. Reviews: New Releases

Scarlet – Animated Feature (14:33–21:23)

• Reviewed by Mark; directed by Mamoru Soda, this is a gender-swapped, meta reimagining of "Hamlet."
• Animation combines old-school 2D with modern CG; visually impressive but narratively muddled.
• Mark’s take: “Even the most charitable assessment of it is it is not up there with the director's best work. There are things in it that are arresting but it is kind of all over the place.” (20:38)
• Addresses broader themes: vengeance, forgiveness, and the cycle of violence.

How to Make a Killing – "Kind Hearts and Coronets" Remake (56:26–62:30)

• Mark reviews the Americanized remake starring Glen Powell.
• Remake described as “likable and at times entertaining, which is fine until you start thinking that it's a sort of, you know, remake... of a film that was really funny and really dark all at the same time. And this isn't in the same ballpark.” (61:05)
• Strong suggestion: Watch the original "Kind Hearts and Coronets" instead.

One Last Deal – Football Agent Chamber Drama (68:36–75:46)

• One-man stage-play feel, starring a prominent British soap star.
• Mark critiques the film’s visual style (“overwrought”), its closeness to the lead (“like spending 90 minutes up the nose of the lead actor”), and the contrived “acting showcase.”
• Remarkably, the actor is described as a “national treasure” but their career is recounted with barbed humour, referencing past controversies.
• Mark's final verdict: “It's 88 minutes long. It felt much longer,” and predicts a quick move to streaming services.

3. Feature Interview: Ryan Gosling on "Project Hail Mary" (42:07–52:41)

Introduction & Context (42:07–43:21)

• “Project Hail Mary” directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, based on Andy Weir’s novel.
• Gosling plays Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut on a desperate mission to save Earth, forming an unlikely friendship with an alien named Rocky.

Gosling on Adapting the Book & Themes (44:12–45:25)

• Received the manuscript during the pandemic; saw it as “the most ambitious thing I’ve ever read or will ever do just felt like a Hail Mary in its own right.”
• “Andy has a really unique way of having something feel escapist... but also being a reminder of what we’re capable of as human beings. We make the impossible possible all the time. It’s kind of our thing.” (Ryan Gosling, 44:18)

Friendship & Humanity (“Silent Running” Comparison) (45:25–46:17)

• Mark draws parallels to the emotional heart of “Silent Running.”
• Gosling agrees: “It’s as human as it is alien. And it’s as intimate as it is vast and epic. You know, it’s really got this balance to it that’s hard to achieve, and it’s special.” (45:54)

Rocky and Practical Effects (46:35–48:55)

• Gosling details the technical and emotional development of Rocky, the alien.
• On creating authenticity: “It took like five puppeteers at all times... it was very impractical in lots of different ways. But so is their relationship, right?” (46:42)
• He credits puppeteer James Ortiz with helping bring warmth and improvisational life to Rocky.

Sandra Hüller’s Singing Scene (49:09–50:54)

• Mark praises Sandra Hüller, revealing a karaoke scene that becomes the “anthem of the film.”
• “She just smashed it out of the park. And that became, I think, one of the best scenes in the film... when you work with Sandra, you get all the things that you hope to get, but then you get all of these unexpected gifts.” (Ryan Gosling, 50:54)

On Sci-Fi Favorites and The Abyss (51:01–52:05)

• Gosling admits to loving “The Abyss,” drawing inspiration for “Project Hail Mary”: “I thought of that a lot while I was making this film... wanted to take the costume design in a similar direction.” (51:10)
• The underwater sacrifice/declaration-of-love scene in “The Abyss” becomes a touchstone for the kind of intense emotional moment Gosling aspires to.

Would He Go to Space for Real? (52:21–52:32)

• “Not at all. I want to pretend to go. I want to talk to people who’ve gone, but I don’t want to go. No, I like to pretend. I like to stay here and, and look up.” — Ryan Gosling (52:21)

Science Credibility (54:49)

• Mark asked Brian Cox about the science in “Project Hail Mary”: “He said, surprisingly well.”

Mark’s Unofficial Review (54:56)

• Mark strongly praised the film’s emotional impact: "It really made me happy. And frankly, things that really make you happy at the moment are in, you know, desperate need." (54:56)
• Full review to come in next week's episode.

4. UK & US Box Office Roundup (23:31–39:18)

• Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (23:31): Discussion on its standalone nature, limited release prior to Netflix.
• Sinners (#10), Secret Agent, Crime 101, Epic Elvis Presley in Concert, Goat, Mother's Pride, The Bride, Wuthering Heights (inverted commas!), Seven, and Hoppers.
• "Hoppers" (Operation Beaver in Sweden): Mixed listener and host reactions; emotional resonance for some, less so for others.

5. Listener Correspondence & Miscellany

• Long running jokes about celebrity relations, film trivia, and actor misattributions.
• Returning gags: "Lang may your lum reek," DIY etymology ("gardyloo"), and “sex with cars” references from “Crash.”
• Film industry transparency: “Why do we, the public, get to know what a film costs at all? Why do studios tell us how much they spent…?” (10:32)
• Praise for fun, engaging correspondence contributions; “Correspondent of the Week” award to friendly Edinburgh tour guide Jen (78:05).

6. The Laughter Lift (62:30–64:00)

• Simon and Mark’s signature pun-filled comedy segment, featuring a Doctor Who/Daleks joke:
  • “What do the Daleks say when they get on the 44A bus in Honiton? Exeter mate. Exeter mate. Exeter mate.” (63:00)
• Further groan-worthy but good-natured gags follow.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Skarsgard Joke:
  “Just to be absolutely clear, we both understand that Peter Sarsgaard and Stellan Skarsgard... are not related. It was a joke.” — Mark (06:22)
• On "Project Hail Mary’s" Themes:
  “Andy has a really unique way of having something feel escapist... but also being a reminder of what we’re capable of as human beings. We make the impossible possible all the time.” — Ryan Gosling (44:18)
• On Practical Effects & Rocky:
  “It took like five puppeteers at all times... it was very impractical in lots of different ways. But so is their relationship, right?” — Ryan Gosling (46:42)
• On Sandra Hüller Singing:
  “She just smashed it out of the park. And that became, I think, one of the best scenes in the film... the anthem of the film.” — Ryan Gosling (50:54)
• On Sci-Fi Favorites:
  “You know what film I really like, which is The Abyss. I thought of that a lot while I was making this film.” — Ryan Gosling (51:01)
• On Space Travel:
  “Not at all. I want to pretend to go... I like to stay here and, and look up.” — Ryan Gosling (52:21)
• On "How to Make a Killing":
  “If you know nothing about Kind Hearts and Coronets, go and watch Kind Hearts and Coronets. You might find this perfectly fine. Right, but you really should be watching another film.” — Mark (62:19)
• On "One Last Deal":
  “He is given the opportunity to take an overdose of acting pills. I mean, there is so much acting going on in the film. He has actually described this as kind of my Hamlet." — Mark (73:46)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|------------| | Sarsgaard/Skarsgard Banter | 03:00–08:45| | Scarlet Review | 14:33–21:23| | Box Office Rundown | 23:31–39:18| | Interview Introduction & Context | 42:07–43:21| | Ryan Gosling Interview | 44:02–52:41| | Mark & Simon Decompress Post-Interview | 52:41–54:56| | How to Make a Killing Review | 56:26–62:30| | Laughter Lift | 62:30–64:00| | One Last Deal Review | 68:36–75:46|

Recurring Themes & Tone

• Warmth and quick-witted, gently irreverent banter permeate the episode, often with self-aware callbacks and meta-commentary on both listener interactions and the often-perplexing world of film.
• Film as both escapism and reflection: Gosling and the hosts often point to cinema’s capacity for hope, empathy, and grappling with large-scale anxieties—even within glossy genre fare.
• Generous engagement with listeners: from direct email readings to interactive challenges and the “Correspondence of the Week” prize.

Final Thoughts

For listeners who haven't tuned in, this episode offers an entertaining yet insightful breakdown of one of the year’s biggest sci-fi releases, filled with candid and sometimes eccentric host dialogue, film industry in-jokes, and the thoughtful presence of Ryan Gosling. Whether you’re here for the reviews, running gags, blockbuster insights, or Mark and Simon’s company, it’s a classic example of why "Kermode & Mayo's Take" remains a staple for film fans.

Film of the Week:
“Scarlet” — For its striking visuals, despite a somewhat messy narrative (Mark Kermode, 78:05).

Contact: correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com
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