There’s plenty to love about sci-fi blockbuster Project Hail Mary. spectacular visuals, cute little rock aliens, spontaneous karaoke, and Ryan Gosling’s effortless charm.
But, in a surprising twist, it’s the appearance of a hand-knitted fox cardigan based on a 1950s design that’s taking audiences – and the internet – by storm.
The movie, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street), follows a molecular biologist-turned-school teacher named Ryland (Gosling), who’s sent into space on a world-saving mission.
Based on a best-selling book by Andy Weir, it’s received overwhelmingly positive feedback for its blend of serious sci-fi with humour and a heartwarming message; reminiscent of nostalgic extraterrestrial epics like E.T..
In his review, our film critic David Mouriquand called it “a galactic adventure that works as a handsomely made, old-school crowd-pleaser”.
Despite the bulk of the movie being set in the near future, Gosling’s wardrobe throughout is notably retro – rainbow-striped hoodies, ironic slogan tees (‘I had potential), and, of course, the cosy fox jumper everyone’s become bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for.
It’s actually based on a 1959 knitting pattern by Mary Maxim, a Canadian-founded craft supply company. Featuring snarling wolves and scattered paw prints, the design was inspired by classic Cowichan style – a distinctive form of hand-knitted indigenous jumpers native to Vancouver.
In an Instagram post, costume designer Glyn Dillon explained that he found one of these original cardigans at a vintage market in London:
“I immediately sent a photo of it to Dave (Crossman, Co-Costume Designer)… He (rightly) questioned whether the wolf design was maybe a bit too aggressive for a school teacher… So I decided to just buy it for myself,” he wrote.
“But that afternoon was also our first fitting with Ryan… and when he saw it he fell in love with it too. The directors Phil and Chris, the producers, everyone loved it,” he continued.
However, as anyone who’s binge-watched enough Gosling interviews knows, the actor LOVES foxes. Since moving to the UK last year, he’s become fascinated by the urban creature’s resourcefulness, telling BBC Radio 1 he thinks they’re “cool as hell”. This led to him making a last minute suggestion.
“He asked if we could change the wolves to foxes. We were extremely tight on time but this was also a chance to change the faces, and the blood red footprints, Dave’s initial instinct was right… so… with everyone in agreement, new coloured yarn was ordered, I re-jigged the faces to make them fox-like and more friendly… and then our incredible knitters had to just go like the clappers,” Dillon said.
“It all came good in the end and I’m chuffed it’s getting all the love.”
But those already Googling to find one should brace for disappointment. The jumper is currently only available to hand knit, with Mary Maxim releasing the updated pattern as a kit for roughly €78.
Many knitters have been quick to put together their own versions, debating everything from its yarn type to technicalities (rowing issues, IYKYK) – and what the cost of hand-knitted items should be. This latter point has become particularly pertinent in an age of fast-fashion, where people are increasingly unwilling (or unable) to pay the high cost of handmade items.
However, as the r/knitting subreddit proves, it’s also inspired a lot of positives – namely a renewed interest in the craft. While several knitters are now backlogged with orders, others have even been inspired to take up the hobby.
“I’m waiting for my kit to arrive and I’m so excited! Amaze! 👎🏻”, wrote one Reddit user. “Some people watch for Ryan Gosling, some people watch to see him raise his arms for the knit fit,” wrote another.
This is not the first time movie knitwear has gone viral. Last year, Elphaba’s so-called “sex cardigan” from Wicked: For Good became one of the most divisive fashion items of 2025 (cosy grungy chic or giant swampy nightmare?)
Back in 2019, Chris Evans’ creamy-coloured Aran Islands jumper from Knives Out also took off, with crafters attempting to replicate its soft and sophisticated aesthetic.
Other honourable mentions must go to the angora pink sweater worn by Nastassja Kinski in Paris, Texas – and all the jumpers worn by Lucy in Twin Peaks.
More than just clothing, every piece of iconic knitwear adds to the texture of on-screen stories. They’re extensions of characters that feel uniquely human, and remind us why hand-made items will always reign supreme.
The other benefit, of course, is that we get to try making them ourselves.
Now, please excuse us. We’ve got a fox cardigan to knit.