Academy Award-winning filmmaking duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller recently discussed their latest projects, including the highly anticipated adaptation of Andy Weir's "Project Hail Mary" and updates on the "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse" trilogy. In an interview with Collider's Steve Weintraub, the directors delved into various aspects, from runtimes and creative decisions to unique inspirations and their commitment to both animated and live-action filmmaking.

Regarding "Project Hail Mary," which stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a middle school teacher embarking on a solo mission to save Earth from a dying sun, Lord and Miller shared insights into its production. The film features an alien companion named Rocky, voiced by James Ortiz, alongside a cast including Sandra Hüller, Ken Leung, Lionel Boyce, and Milana Vayntrub. The directors emphasized their dedication to staying true to the scientific rigor of Andy Weir's novel, aligning with what they term Weir's "competency porn" brand, where audiences enjoy watching experts perform their jobs skillfully. They specifically noted the challenge of cinematically conveying Gosling's character's internal thoughts and problem-solving processes without resorting to conventional voiceovers, aiming to integrate science seamlessly into the character's story and adventure.

The runtime of "Project Hail Mary" was a significant point of discussion, with the filmmakers explaining that they prioritized the character's emotional journey and the epic scale of the narrative. Ryan Gosling's character develops across two timelines, requiring substantial backstory. While an initial assembly cut stretched to 3.5 hours, they meticulously refined it to ensure audience engagement, stating that the theatrical release represents "the best version." However, they confirmed that extended and deleted scenes would be made available, much to the delight of fans.

A memorable and unscripted moment in "Project Hail Mary" involved Sandra Hüller's character singing. Ryan Gosling observed Hüller's singing talent on set and suggested incorporating it into the film. Hüller chose Harry Styles' "Sign of the Times," and her performance deeply moved the crew and directors, leading them to declare it the "heart of the movie." The scene perfectly encapsulated her character's hidden warmth and connection despite a tough exterior, demonstrating the creative and collaborative climate fostered on set. "Project Hail Mary" is set to open in theaters and IMAX on March 20.

Providing an update on "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse," Lord and Miller revealed that the film is currently "in the middle" of production, with a "wonderful" story and new cast members. They describe the conclusion to this trilogy as "very emotional." While it marks the end of the current trilogy, the possibility of future "Spider-Man" stories remains open, with Miller humorously questioning the notion of limiting "Spider-Man" narratives.

The duo also shed light on Nicolas Cage's unique approach to playing Spider-Noir. Cage conceptualized his character as "a spider pretending to be a person," meticulously studying human behavior in movies to mimic it in public, while reserving his true "spider" self for private moments. The visual style of Spider-Noir was described as a native black and white shoot, later enhanced with a "true hue" Technicolor hybrid, creating a distinct old-timey color palette. The directors, being noir aficionados themselves, embraced artistic shadows and Dutch angles, making the noir aesthetic integral to the storytelling.

Finally, Lord and Miller addressed their filmmaking future, confirming their intention to continue making both live-action and animated films. They recounted a personal promise made to legendary Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki years ago at the Governors Awards, where he specifically encouraged them not to stop making animation, a request they took to heart, despite their live-action aspirations. Their deep respect and admiration for Miyazaki were evident as they shared the anecdote.