It’s not every day that Hollywood power couple Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes give us a glimpse into their private life, but when they do, it’s usually comedy gold. In the midst of the whirlwind promotional tour for his highly anticipated sci-fi epic Project Hail Mary, Gosling has finally addressed the viral comments made by his wife regarding her "jealousy" over his new co-star. The twist? The "other woman" isn’t a woman at all—or even human. She’s referring to Rocky, a five-legged, carapace-covered alien engineer who communicates in musical chords.

The Truth Behind Eva Mendes' 'Jealousy'

The internet has been buzzing since earlier this week when Mendes dropped a hilarious bombshell on Instagram. Responding to a promotional post for Project Hail Mary, she commented that Rocky was "the only co-star I've ever been jealous of." She playfully added, "They spent wayyy too much time together. They even got each other's rings. What on earth!"

Speaking to press during a junket in Los Angeles this week, Gosling couldn't help but laugh when asked about his wife's "envy." "Look, I get it," Gosling joked, flashing his trademark charm. "The chemistry with Rocky was undeniable. We spent months in a spaceship the size of a studio apartment. When you go through an extinction-level event with someone—even if they are a mesmerizing spider-alien made of stone—you bond. Eva sensed that connection immediately."

Gosling went on to explain that the "rings" Mendes mentioned weren't wedding bands, but a crucial plot point involving friendship tokens in the film. "It’s a bromance on a galactic scale," he admitted. "And honestly? Rocky is a great listener. Maybe that’s what Eva is actually jealous of."

Who Is Rocky? The Breakout Star of 2026

While fans might be expecting another A-list actress opposite Gosling, his primary screen partner in Project Hail Mary is a technical marvel. Voiced and performed by James Ortiz (with some heavy lifting from CGI and puppetry wizards), Rocky is the alien ally who helps Gosling's character, Ryland Grace, save humanity from a sun-eating plague.

The character has already stolen hearts in early screenings, with critics calling the duo's dynamic the "heart and soul" of the film. "It’s not just visual effects," Gosling told reporters on Thursday. "James brought such humanity to this non-human character. There were days on set where I forgot I was talking to a puppet. It felt real. That emotional intimacy is what makes the movie work, and apparently, it’s also what worries my wife."

A 'Masterpiece' in the Making

The playful banter comes as hype for the film reaches a fever pitch. Early reviews from the last few days have hailed the adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel as a "masterpiece" and "the best sci-fi film of 2026." Directed by the dynamic duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the movie is set to hit theaters on March 20, 2026.

Mendes herself has joined the chorus of praise, calling the film a "masterpiece" in her own social media posts, despite her feigned jealousy. "It’s the first time in a long time I’ve seen a movie that the whole family can experience together," she wrote, proving that her support for Gosling ultimately outweighs her rivalry with his extraterrestrial BFF.

Celebrity Relationship Goals

This latest exchange is just another example of why Gosling and Mendes remain one of Hollywood's most beloved (and private) couples. They rarely walk red carpets together, preferring to support each other from the sidelines—or in this case, through witty Instagram comments.

Gosling has frequently credited Mendes as his secret weapon. In past interviews, and again recently, he has referred to her as his "acting coach" and the rock of their family. "She holds it all down so I can go play make-believe in space," Gosling said warmly. "Even if that make-believe involves 'cheating' on her with a rock monster."

What to Expect from 'Project Hail Mary'

As the March 20 release date approaches, fans are eager to see this "jealousy-inducing" chemistry for themselves. The film follows Ryland Grace, a schoolteacher-turned-astronaut who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory of his mission. He soon discovers he is humanity's last hope and finds an unlikely ally in Rocky, who is on a similar desperate mission to save his own world.

With a script by Drew Goddard and the visual inventiveness of Lord and Miller, the film promises to be both a visual spectacle and an emotional journey. And if Ryan Gosling's "affair" with his alien co-star is half as convincing as Eva Mendes claims, audiences are in for a treat.