Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the directing duo behind hits like The Lego Movie and the Spider-Verse franchise, are preparing to launch their latest project, Project Hail Mary, a deep-space adventure starring Ryan Gosling. The film, adapted from Andy Weir's novel, follows a high school science teacher who wakes up alone on a spaceship with a mission to save the universe from a parasitic microbe.
Lord and Miller's career began with a hurdle when they had to convince the Directors Guild of America to allow them to co-direct. They faced a panel of famous peers, including Steven Spielberg and Jon Favreau, who questioned their partnership. The duo successfully argued their case, and they have since become known for their collaborative approach, often finishing each other's ideas.
Their distinctive style, marked by surreal humour and visual invention, is evident in their work. Project Hail Mary promises to be another big swing, blending hard science fiction with the duo's trademark wit. Gosling's character, Dr Ryland Grace, must make contact with an alien to complete his mission, despite the grim prospect of a one-way trip.
Lord and Miller's partnership is so seamless that they are often mistaken for one another. They joke about wearing name tags on set, but their shared sensibility has made them a formidable force in Hollywood, turning out films that are both commercially successful and critically acclaimed.
