A Hemel Hempstead school has found itself in the spotlight after featuring in key scenes of the latest Hollywood blockbuster starring Ryan Gosling.

Dacorum Borough Council has confirmed that The Hemel Hempstead School was selected as a filming location for Project Hail Mary, a major big-budget production led by the Oscar-nominated actor.

Since its worldwide release last month, the sci-fi adventure has reportedly grossed more than $200 million globally. The film follows Gosling’s character, science teacher Ryland Grace, as he embarks on an extraordinary and unexpected mission into space.

Critics have praised the movie as “fun”, “charming”, and a genuine “crowd-pleaser”. The film was directed by the acclaimed duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, best known for the 21 Jump Street remakes starring Channing Tatum. Recent Oscar nominee Sandra Hüller also appears alongside the La La Land star.

Filming crews visited the Hemel Hempstead site during summer 2024. The council’s dedicated Dacorum Film Office supported the production by coordinating logistics, including establishing a crew base and organising temporary road closures along Anchor Lane.

Thanks to its close links to London and nearby major film studios across Hertfordshire, Dacorum continues to grow as a popular destination for international film and television projects.

The borough has attracted several high-profile productions in recent years. Comedy legend Rowan Atkinson recently shot scenes for a new Netflix series in the area.

Meanwhile, parts of the third instalment in the Knives Out franchise — starring Daniel Craig — were filmed in a Hemel Hempstead bookshop.

The region is also closely associated with Ricky Gervais, who filmed much of his hit series After Life locally. He recently unveiled a statue in Hemel Hempstead’s Old Town, honouring the area’s connection to the show and paying tribute to the beloved dog featured throughout its three-season run.