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The intricate, textured design of the alien character Rocky in ‘Project Hail Mary’ brought the film’s interstellar friendship to life through the skilled puppetry of James Ortiz.Richardson Today
James Ortiz, a veteran New York puppeteer, was tapped to bring the adorable alien ‘Rocky’ to life through puppetry and voice acting in the new sci-fi film ‘Project Hail Mary.’ Ortiz, who has designed puppets for Broadway shows and the Metropolitan Opera, had an immediate connection with the film’s directors and co-star Ryan Gosling, allowing him to imbue Rocky with a playful, childlike personality that has captivated audiences.
Why it matters
Ortiz’s work on ‘Project Hail Mary’ showcases the growing prominence of puppetry in major Hollywood productions, as filmmakers seek to create more tactile and emotive creature characters. Ortiz’s background as a trained actor and lifelong puppeteer also highlights how diverse skill sets can lead to unexpected opportunities in the entertainment industry.
The details
As the main puppeteer on set, Ortiz was responsible for controlling Rocky’s facial expressions and central carapace, while coordinating with a team of up to six other puppeteers to bring the alien to life. Ortiz also provided Rocky’s voice, which was selected over other options during post-production due to its endearing, robotic quality. Drawing inspiration from classic robot characters, Ortiz aimed to imbue Rocky with a sense of childlike wonder and sincerity that would complement Ryan Gosling’s performance.
Ortiz has been designing puppets for theater productions in New York City for over 15 years.He first met with ‘Project Hail Mary’ directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord for a chemistry read with Ryan Gosling in 2025.
The players
James Ortiz
A Puerto Rican puppeteer and actor who has designed puppets for Broadway shows, the Metropolitan Opera, and now stars as the voice and puppeteer of the alien ‘Rocky’ in the film ‘Project Hail Mary.’
The acclaimed actor who stars as the lead role of Ryland Grace in ‘Project Hail Mary’ and performed alongside Ortiz’s Rocky puppet on set.
Chris Miller
One of the directors of ‘Project Hail Mary’ who connected with Ortiz’s playful and improvisational puppetry style.
Phil Lord
The other director of ‘Project Hail Mary’ who, along with Chris Miller, shared Ortiz’s ‘delightfully immature’ sensibilities.
Neal Scanlan
The legendary special effects artist who designed the more intricate Rocky puppet that appears on screen, while involving Ortiz in the fabrication process.
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What they’re saying
“I love playing characters that are so unbelievable that they have to exist in a different way. I love over-the-top characters and creatures.”
— James Ortiz, Puppeteer
“I promised Ryan that between action and cut, all of [the technical elements] were going melt away. I said, ‘I’m just going to be an improvising partner with you. I’m never going to let you think that Rocky isn’t real, because I want this relationship to feel as playful and as dynamic as possible.’”
— James Ortiz, Puppeteer
“They are so delightfully immature that I felt like they were my cousins. They are such artistic geniuses, but so silly and playful.”
— James Ortiz, Puppeteer
What’s next
Ortiz is exploring new opportunities in Hollywood following the success of ‘Project Hail Mary,’ though he remains committed to his passion for puppetry in theater and opera productions.
The takeaway
James Ortiz’s work on ‘Project Hail Mary’ demonstrates how a lifelong dedication to the craft of puppetry can lead to unexpected breakthroughs in the entertainment industry, as filmmakers seek to create more emotive and tactile creature characters.