Lessons From The 'Project Hail Mary' Script

I don't know about you, but my whole news feed revolves around Project Hail Mary. It's the biggest movie in the world, and the one everyone is talking about.

And as our resident writer, I want to talk about this amazing adapted script by Drew Goddard.

Whether you’re a fan of the novel or a screenwriter looking to study how to adapt dense, scientific prose into a cinematic adventure, analyzing the script for Project Hail Mary is a masterclass in pacing and high-concept storytelling.

Here are some lessons, and let's talk after!

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What Screenwriters Can Learn from the Script

Drew Goddard earned an Oscar nomination for The Martian, so he is arguably the best in the business at translating Weir’s "science-as-a-superpower" ethos into a script.

And it shows in this script, which right now would be the frontrunner for Best Adapted Screenplay next year.

Reading the Project Hail Mary script offers some great lessons for writers.

1. Handling the "Amnesia" Trope

The story begins with Ryland Grace waking up with no memory of who he is or why he’s on a spaceship.

The script manages this by feeding the audience information at the exact same rate as the protagonist, using non-linear flashbacks to ground the stakes back on Earth. He's learning, we're learning, and it makes us lean in with every scene.

2. Making Science Visual

Much like The Martian, the drama in Project Hail Mary comes from solving problems that have all human and alien life hanging in the balance.

The script must find ways to make complex physics and biology understandable without feeling like a boring lecture.

Look for how Goddard uses visual metaphors and action to explain the "Astrophage" threat, and how he distills these complex ideas down to make sure they can be fed in the right amount to the audience so they understand it.

3. Writing Non-Human Dialogue

I guess this is a spoiler, but there's an alien in this movie! And it talks!

One of the greatest challenges of this adaptation is the character of Rocky.

Without spoiling too much, the script has to navigate communication barriers in a way that is heartwarming and distinct, avoiding the cliches of typical "alien" interactions.

I loved seeing how much was on the page and how much was left to our imaginations, as well

Summing It All Up

Project Hail Mary represents a massive bet on "smart" sci-fi. For filmmakers, the script serves as a blueprint for contained filmmaking and for hitting your genre in new and exciting ways.

We can't wait until the script is made available.

Let us know your favorite parts in the comments.