Ryan Gosling and Drew Barrymore share heartfelt lessons from ‘E.T.’ to ‘Project Hail Mary’ that the world needs right now
From E.T. to Project Hail Mary, both actors opened up about why hopeful storytelling leaves a mark on people that fear-driven narratives never do.
With everything going on in the world right now, it can be hard to stay hopeful. Sometimes, all people need is a reason to believe things can be figured out. That these issues are temporary, that people are still capable of choosing each other, and that the future is not something to be fearful of. Recently, Ryan Gosling and Drew Barrymore had an inspiring conversation on The Drew Barrymore Show about hope and the meaningful lessons their movies deliver.
What happened
“Project Hail Mary” is a new film based on a popular book by Andy Weir, which many readers rave about as one of their favorites. The film, which has just been released worldwide, follows an astronaut who wakes up alone somewhere in a distant galaxy with no memory of how he got there. As he tries to remember his mission, he unexpectedly befriends an alien, and together they agree to save his planet.
During an interview about the film on The Drew Barrymore Show, actor Ryan Gosling described Andy Weir’s book as “a really special book,” saying that many readers call it one of the best they have ever read. Gosling explained that the movie carries a beautiful message about hope and making the impossible possible. He shared a thought about human nature, saying, “We are great at solving problems; human history is made up of impossible things that human beings made possible”.
Drew connected the film back to E.T., the movie that, by her own account, made her who she is. She said it taught her that “everyone is on the table for friendship” and that fear of the unfamiliar has no place in how we treat each other. Those are values she has carried her whole life, and she sees Project Hail Mary doing the same thing for a new generation.
Gosling also shared his thoughts on how many stories over the last decade have focused on disasters, making it seem as though bad things are inevitable. What Weir does differently, Gosling said, is open a door away from that. “Maybe the future isn’t something to fear, but rather just to be figured out.” He also talked about wanting something better for his own kids, something that gave them a reason to feel good about where the world is going, rather than getting afraid of it.
Drew also mentioned a touching note from a friend whose son is reading the book as part of a course at his all-boys school, and they plan to watch the movie together afterward. She encouraged everyone to form book clubs, read the story with friends, see the movie together, and discuss its hopeful message.
Reactions
Many viewers who watched the clip shared their thoughts. One person commented, “Great perspective, and so true! Live in the now; our future hasn’t happened yet. Teach our kids not to fear but to love.” A lot of parents seem to be sitting with that exact feeling right now, wanting to raise kids who live without fear and are looking for content that can teach them that lesson.
Many people praised the message of hope that Gosling’s movie conveys. One person wrote, “Thank you for making a movie with hope and optimism instead of apocalyptic themes,” and another added, “This movie filled me with so much hope.”
Some people also remember E.T. even after many years. One wrote, “ET as a core memory. Such a gift! Still tear up at those images with Gertie.” This speaks to the impact that film had on people when they were young and how it influenced who they became as adults. Another viewer appreciated Gosling’s way of communicating with the audience: “Everything he says is so kind and thoughtful”.
Someone else wrote about the beautiful message the movie has given: “It is a relief to read and watch a positive narrative about alien encounters filled with empathy, kindness, and hope.” And this is all we need right now!
Why this matters
Stories, whether told through movies, TV shows, or books, have always been a way for communities to share important values. When children watch these characters cooperate to overcome challenges, or see friendships blossom in unexpected situations, they learn lessons that even a teacher could not provide in a classroom.
While entertainment alone can’t change the world, when more of what we see encourages us to be hopeful and kind, it helps change our perspective on what’s normal. Right now, it’s really important to focus on finding a more hopeful perspective. People are looking for these positive stories that they can relate to and share with their kids.
