Apr 08, 2026 3:18pm IST
Priya Kansara: “Voicing AI Still Felt Deeply Human” In ‘Project Hail Mary’ (EXCLUSIVE)
British actor Priya Kansara is riding high on the success of Project Hail Mary, where she lends her voice to the AI character Mary, a key emotional and narrative anchor in the film. Known for her breakout turn in Polite Society and her growing presence across international projects, Kansara is quickly emerging as a talent to watch on the global stage. In this conversation, she reflects on the film’s reception, working alongside Ryan Gosling, the evolving language of sci-fi storytelling, and what the experience has meant for her as an actor.
Congrats on the film’s success. Any message that you received post release that stayed with you?
Thank you so much. Oh my gosh, I don’t know, I’ve not been asked this. I’m not sure, nothing’s really standing out to me at all. Actually, something that happened recently was my very young nephew, he’s like three or four years old, made a spaceship at home because he really wanted to be in Hail Mary, and that was really sweet. It’s just really cool to see people connect with it and go on that adventure. There’s nothing more validating than a three-year-old telling you that you’re cool. That was kind of the icing on the cake.
What was your first reaction to the script? Had you read the book?
I had read the book and I loved it. When I knew it was being made, I was like wow, I don’t know how they’re going to do this because it’s a real feat. There’s so much to incorporate into a film. One thing I was really curious about, and something I love about the book, is the amount of science in it. It’s written in the first person, so there’s a natural explanation of everything. As a reader, it’s very clear, but I wondered how they would translate that to screen without it feeling overly expositional.
I think Mary actually helps with that, acting as a kind of technical tool to convey a lot of that information. It was so cleverly done. When I read the script, I was just really excited to see it come alive. I remember receiving the script after getting the offer and thinking, oh my God, what is this? Drew Goddard is an amazing writer and put it together so cleverly.
But you never quite know what a film will be until you start shooting. Filmmaking is really about making three films. There’s the one in the script, the one you shoot, and the one audiences finally see. I feel really lucky that I got to experience that evolution.
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How did you respond to the film’s Indian connect?
It’s so special. It was already special getting to work with Aditya and getting to know him. He’s so kind and open. On set, I would read all these letters written by people across the world for Grace Ryland, and seeing that piece of India in there was always really meaningful.
I feel so lucky to do this job and to be able to represent India, my heritage and my culture. To see that come alive, even in small ways, means a lot. It’s also really nice when people notice it and point it out.
Any standout moment from the shoot?
All of it, honestly. But one thing that stood out was how much we improvised and how much we created on the day. I remember there was a scene that was just two lines in the script, and we ended up doing a 40-minute take. Nobody called cut.
It was me, Rocky and Ryland, and I had earpieces to both of them, speaking in real time. To have that freedom to play for that long with your co-actors and just see where it goes, finding joke after joke without it feeling forced, was incredible.
We don’t often get that kind of freedom. Everything is usually very structured and scheduled. This felt like such a unique way to make a film. Finn and Chris were so open to letting us explore. That will stay with me for a long time.
The film feels very human despite its sci-fi setting. Your thoughts?
Oh my God, 100 percent. The fact that I even have this job is a credit to the filmmakers. In a world where AI and technology are being used more, they chose to hire an actor to voice a robot, to voice artificial intelligence. That in itself was such a positive sign.
I’ve watched the film several times and I cry every time. Sci-fi is often very dark, with themes of destruction or fear. This is such a hopeful story about unity. I feel so lucky to be part of something like that.
It reminds us that we are more than our differences. If Ryland and Rocky can form that friendship and save the universe, maybe there’s something we can learn from that. It’s a very moving experience.
What was it like working with Ryan Gosling?
Yes, I was with him every day on set. For the first part of the film, it’s just the two of us talking. I’ve admired his work for a long time, so watching him was like a masterclass.
He really gives everything. One thing I found incredible was how he holds the entire story in his head and stays aware of his character’s journey at all times. He’s constantly thinking about continuity, motivation and emotional through lines.
He’s also very collaborative and open, always inviting discussion and problem-solving. I learned so much from him. Whenever I asked questions, he was very generous in sharing his process.
What’s next for you?
Apparently I’m enjoying space a lot because next month I have a show coming out on Apple TV called Star City. You’ll see me doing more space-related things.
It was quite serendipitous. I spent three months on a spaceship set in London, and then a few months later I was in Lithuania doing something similar again. I got to apply everything I had just learned. It felt poetic.
It’s very different tonally though, and I’m excited for people to see it. It premieres on May 29.
What are your thoughts on Priyanka Chopra’s global journey and success?
She’s incredible. I grew up watching a lot of Bollywood films, many of which she was part of. Watching her transition into Hollywood has been inspiring and eye-opening.
It shows that we shouldn’t limit ourselves to one country or one kind of cinema. If you put in the work, there’s a whole world out there. It’s a reminder that our careers can be much bigger than we imagine.
If you get a chance to take one souvenir from set what would it be?
There were so many amazing things. I loved the little Earth ball, that would be such a beautiful thing to take home. Also, all the messages Rocky sends in bottles were so beautifully made. I would have loved one of those.Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to take anything. Otherwise, I would have taken a lot more.
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