Ryland Grace is the main protagonist of Andy Weir’s sci-fi novel Project Hail Mary, portrayed by Ryan Gosling in the film adaptation. He is a former molecular biologist turned middle school science teacher who becomes humanity's reluctant, accidental savior. Earned a Ph.D. in molecular biology.Published a controversial dissertation claiming water is not necessary for evolution.Became an outcast in the scientific community after public arguments and leaving academia to teach 8th-grade science Recruited by international leader Eva Stratt because of his unique theories on non-water-based biochemistry.Forced to join the Hail Mary interstellar expedition against his will because he was initially too afraid to go on a suicide mission.Awoke from a long, chemically induced coma with severe amnesia, slowly remembering his past as the mission unfolded.