During a press junket for his upcoming film Project Hail Mary, Ryan Gosling conducted a video interview with reporter Jake Hamilton, who was stranded on the roadside after his bus broke down. Gosling expressed concern for Hamilton's well-being amid the unusual circumstances. The encounter highlighted the film's promotion while showcasing Gosling's attentiveness.
Ryan Gosling's promotional activities for Project Hail Mary took an unexpected turn when WFLD-TV Chicago reporter Jake Hamilton joined the press junket remotely. Hamilton, known for his Jake’s Takes YouTube channel, was returning from the Grand Canyon when his bus malfunctioned, leaving him and other passengers waiting on the roadside. Unable to attend in person, he proceeded with the video interview from the rocky terrain.
Gosling reacted with surprise and humor upon seeing Hamilton's location. "Are you in a volcano?" he asked, adding, "You look like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible, the one where he’s climbing!… This is amazing. I don’t want you to be stranded, but the production value on this… Do you technically need a permit to shoot there? It’s like you’re doing a Western!"
As Hamilton attempted to steer the conversation toward the film, Gosling prioritized the reporter's safety. "Do you have help on the way?" he inquired. Hamilton replied that assistance was about an hour away and flipped the camera to display the broken-down bus and waiting passengers. "So, I don’t know how long you got to talk to me, but I’ve got about an hour."
Gosling pressed further on practical needs: "Hold on, let’s just… First things first, do you have water? Are you staying hydrated?" Hamilton confirmed he had water, prompting Gosling to ask, "You sure? You’re sure you have enough water for everyone? Because that could get ugly… I am worried about your hydration. You got a power bar?"
Project Hail Mary, adapted from Andy Weir's 2021 novel, features Gosling as Ryland Grace, a school teacher who awakens alone on a spaceship far from Earth. With amnesia, he uncovers a mission to prevent a solar catastrophe. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film also stars Sandra Hüller.
Concluding the interview, Gosling said, "I definitely want to hear that you got out of this." The full exchange was shared via video.