Project Hail Mary, a science-fiction epic directed and produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, is set to arrive in theaters on March 20. Based on the bestselling novel by Andy Weir, the film centers on Ryland Grace (played by Ryan Gosling), a former middle-school science teacher who wakes up alone aboard a spacecraft with one mission: save Earth from an extinction-level cosmic threat. What follows is a suspenseful, funny, and unexpectedly moving story of ingenuity, isolation, and interstellar collaboration—helmed by two classmates whose creative partnership continues to push storytelling to new frontiers.
About Lord and Miller
They have built one of the most influential collaborations in contemporary Hollywood. The two met as undergrads at Dartmouth, where they bonded over comedy and storytelling before launching careers in television with the cult-favorite animated series, Clone High. From there, Lord and Miller made the rare leap from niche comedy to mainstream success. Known for blending sharp meta humor with emotional sincerity, their career paths reflect a willingness to take risks while consistently expanding what big-budget entertainment can look like.
Five Must-See Lord and Miller Films
The Lego Movie (Directors, Screenwriters)
What could have been a two-hour toy commercial became a cultural phenomenon. The 2014 film redefined studio animation with its rapid-fire humor and radical celebration of creativity. Its success changed how Hollywood thought about IP-driven storytelling and proved originality could thrive inside corporate franchises.
21 Jump Street (Directors)
Lord and Miller’s live-action breakthrough was an irreverent 2012 reboot of the ’80s TV cop show. It ushered in a new era of self-aware studio comedy. Its blend of character-based humor, genre satire, and genuine heart reset expectations for modern action comedies and launched one of the decade’s most successful comedic series.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Producers)
Miller and screenwriter Lord were instrumental in reshaping animation aesthetics and superhero storytelling with this 2018 film. Its bold visual language influenced everything from advertising to animated television, while its emotional grounding of Miles Morales expanded who gets to be at the center of a blockbuster narrative.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Directors, Screenwriters)
This anarchic comedy helped define the modern tone of studio animation: visually maximalist, joke dense, and earnest. Its 2009 release marked Lord and Miller as innovators early on and paved the way for a generation of animated films willing to embrace absurdity without sacrificing heart.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines (Producers)
The 2021 film has been celebrated during the streaming era for its hyper-expressive portrayal of a messy, tech-overloaded family. Its influence is visible in the wave of animated features that followed, embracing visual chaos, personal storytelling, and a willingness to let imperfection drive humor and heart.
Celine Choi ’26 is a DAM editorial intern.
