You can now download and 3D print a model of a spaceman from Project Hail Mary, a film based on Andy Weir’s novel. If you haven’t seen the movie, it’s a beautiful, heartwarming exploration of space and human spirit, and I highly recommend watching it on the largest screen you can find. The story, narrated by Ray Porter, is engaging and inspiring, effectively encouraging viewers to pursue science and exploration.
The 3D model is available for download on the Project Hail Mary website. In the film, the protagonist, Ryland Grace, uses a small spaceman figure to help visualize complex ideas communicated by his companion. This model has been designed to be maximal in its detail, making it an intriguing addition for fans or makers alike.
This isn’t the first time a movie has shared downloadable 3D models. For instance, Paramount once released a model from Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, and popular YouTuber Markiplier created an interactive 3D-printed popcorn bucket that garnered attention at the theater.
It would be wonderful for more studios to recognize the positive response from the maker community regarding these downloads. Many virtual effects designs can be effectively transformed into 3D-printable models. The spaceman from Project Hail Mary, likely a 3D-printed prop already, could have great potential as a downloadable model for fans.
In my own experience, printing this model using silver silk PLA on the Bambu Lab H2D was easy and rewarding, taking roughly four hours to complete. The finish created a unique and otherworldly aesthetic. Future plans include printing the model using Iron filament, lending it a rusty, alien charm.
Project Hail Mary is not only a cultural touchstone but, with the inclusion of downloadable 3D models, it cleverly engages a community likely to appreciate and share such creative extensions. Hopefully, more studios will see the success of this initiative and follow suit.