TMDb/Project Hail Mary Movie Discover how puppetry brought Rocky to life in Project Hail Mary, defying CGI with tangible artistry and authentic on-screen chemistry. April 4, 2026 AceShowbiz - Project Hail Mary showcases an extraordinary blend of puppetry and performance with the creation of Rocky, the alien companion to Ryan Gosling's character Ryland Grace. This unique creature was brought to life through the artistry of Drama Desk Award-winning puppet designer James Ortiz and his dedicated team of five puppeteers.