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According to Miller, their guiding principle centers on stories about science that embrace the optimistic side of the field. They believe science can be used in a way that feels hopeful about the future and positions it as a potential answer to humanity's challenges.
Based on: Scientific American interview with Christopher Miller and Phil Lord; Scientific American; NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 2025.
A Conversation in the Heart of Mission Control
Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the directing duo behind the upcoming sci-fi film Project Hail Mary, sat down with Scientific American at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab to discuss their approach to bringing science to the big screen.
The movie—drawn from Andy Weir's beloved novel—arrives March 20, 2026.
According to Miller, their guiding principle centers on stories about science that embrace the optimistic side of the field. They believe science can be used in a way that feels hopeful about the future and positions it as a potential answer to humanity's challenges.
The film follows a scientist on a mission to save Earth from catastrophe.
Based on: Scientific American interview with Christopher Miller and Phil Lord; Scientific American; NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 2025.