Sandra Hüller Inspired by Dana Scully for Her Role in Project Hail Mary

Translating that ambiguity to the screen in Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s cinematic adaptation was a nuanced task for Sandra Hüller. Known for her powerful turns in The Zone of Interest and Anatomy of a Fall, Hüller had to navigate how much warmth to inject into the character. She debated whether Stratt’s cold demeanor was a sign of calculated detachment or suppressed desperation. According to Hüller, the directors gave her the creative autonomy to define those boundaries herself.

“They allowed me significant latitude in shaping Eva Stratt,” Hüller explains. “Our discussions centered on the weight of responsibility and the art of inspiring others to believe in a mission. We explored what it truly means to lead with professionalism. However, her specific mannerisms and speech patterns were discovered organically through collaboration on set.”

Lord and Miller are known for fostering a dynamic improv environment. During the shoot, Hüller and Gosling often wore earpieces so the directors could feed them spontaneous prompts during takes. Hüller thrived under this experimental approach, noting that it allowed the actors to test different interpersonal energies and see what resonated best on camera.

“Both Ryan and I prefer to discover the character’s essence through interaction,” Hüller says. “We don’t arrive with everything pre-calculated; we find the truth in the moment with our scene partners.”

Her preparation involved a deep dive into the script and observing real-world female leaders to capture a sense of innate authority. She looked closely at figures like Angela Merkel, the former German Chancellor, seeking to portray a leader who didn’t need to shout to be heard.

“It was vital that she projected a sense of gravity and trustworthiness,” says Hüller. “A genuine leader doesn’t need to perform power or boast about their rank; they are often the quietest, most focused people in the room. I wanted to portray someone I would personally be willing to follow.”

Beyond politics, Hüller drew inspiration from iconic fictional figures. She cites Gillian Anderson’s Dana Scully in The X-Files as a foundational influence for female characters in scientific and authoritative roles. Hüller also looked at Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of Detective Somerset in Se7en, noting his ability to be a steady, guiding presence without ever becoming overly sentimental.

The film version of *Project Hail Mary* offers a slightly softer take on Stratt compared to the novel. This includes a humanizing, improvised scene where Hüller performs Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times” during a farewell gathering. Despite these flourishes, Hüller remained focused on the text. While some actors invent intricate backstories, she only added one unspoken detail: a hidden family life that underscores her sacrifice for the mission.

“I’m not one for extensive backstories,” Hüller concludes. “I believe if something isn’t in the script, there’s usually a thematic reason for its absence. For Stratt, I just wanted to ensure she felt like a seasoned professional who had earned her stripes through years of dedication and competence.”

Project Hail Mary is currently playing in theaters.

Source: Polygon