Priya Kansara Opens Up About Terrifying Yet Thrilling Experience Working with Ryan Gosling in 'Project Hail Mary'
British-Indian actor Priya Kansara, who voiced the computer character 'Mary' opposite Ryan Gosling's reluctant astronaut in the sci-fi blockbuster Project Hail Mary, has revealed she was initially terrified to work with the Hollywood star she long admired. However, Kansara emphasized that Gosling turned out to be incredibly collaborative, making the experience memorable and enriching.
From Molecular Biology to Hollywood Stardom
Kansara, 30, expressed disbelief when her agent informed her about the role in the Ryan Gosling-led space drama, directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller. The directors had seen her previous work and found her funny, a fact that she described as mind-blowing. She immediately said yes to the opportunity, eager to collaborate with such esteemed filmmakers.
Known for her roles in Bridgerton and the indie film Polite Society, Kansara highlighted a unique aspect of her role in Project Hail Mary. Unlike typical voice artists who record after filming, she was present on set daily. The production team built a small sound box for her, allowing her to react live to Gosling's performances take after take.
Improv and Collaboration on Set
We would improv a lot on set, Kansara shared. I rehearsed with him in shots, and we went through every scene as a team. After rehearsals, she would sit in her box, watch him on a screen, and speak directly into his earpiece. She praised Gosling's humor and improvisational skills, noting how he excels in playing the moment.
Despite her terror at working opposite someone she admired, Kansara found Gosling easy to respond to, leading to many funny moments. This was her first voice work, adding to the initial nervousness, but the collaborative environment helped her settle in quickly.
Connections to the Film's Theme
Project Hail Mary, based on Andy Weir's book, follows American middle-school science teacher Ryland Grace, a former molecular biologist. Against his wishes, Grace is sent to space to solve a mystery threatening the sun and Earth, eventually befriending an alien named Rocky.
Interestingly, molecular biology is a common thread between Kansara and her character. She graduated from University College London in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology. Born to Gujarati parents in London, Kansara's family always encouraged her acting passion, despite no prior roots in the field.
Bollywood Influences and Future Aspirations
Kansara reminisced about watching Bollywood movies with her mother every Sunday, learning choreography from hits like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Jab We Met. Her love for dance and performance stemmed from these experiences, including training in Bharatanatyam and Bollywood dances. She recently enjoyed films like Laapataa Ladies and Homebound, praising the incredible work in Indian cinema.
Looking ahead, Kansara is open to diverse experiences to grow as an actor. I want to put myself in uncomfortable situations to learn something new, she said, aiming to work with more creatives and tell compelling stories. Her journey from molecular science to Hollywood exemplifies her dedication to pushing boundaries and reaching higher potential.
