Editor – Joel Negron ACE, Sound Designers – Erik Aadahl and Ethan Van der Ryn
Project Hail Mary editor Joel Negron says that one of the first calls that he makes when he signs on to a new film is to his trusted colleagues in audio post, Erik and Ethan. And for more than fifteen years the trio has collaborated on a wide variety of films, including the Transformers franchise, Jungle Cruise and Cocaine Bear. But their latest film with directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller would prove to be one of their greatest challenges, but also one of their biggest hits!
Based on the bestselling novel by Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary is a high-stakes sci-fi thriller centered on Ryland Grace, a scientist who wakes up aboard a spacecraft with no memory of who he is or how he got there. He soon discovers he is humanity’s sole hope for survival, tasked with solving a cosmic mystery to save Earth from an extinction-level threat. As his memories slowly return, Grace must utilize his scientific ingenuity and form an unlikely alliance in the vast loneliness of deep space to complete his desperate mission.
JOEL NEGRON, ACE
Joel Negron is a highly accomplished film editor known for his versatile work across high-octane action blockbusters and visually inventive features. He has a long-standing reputation for managing large-scale productions, with notable credits including Thor: Ragnarok, The Nice Guys, and Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Negron’s ability to balance complex visual effects with rhythmic storytelling has made him a frequent collaborator for top-tier directors, consistently delivering polished, high-energy cinematic experiences.
ERIK AADAHL
Erik Aadahl is a premier sound designer and supervising sound editor whose innovative approach to sonic world-building has earned him multiple Academy Award nominations. He is perhaps best known for creating the distinct mechanical “voices” of the Transformers franchise and for his evocative work on films like Argo, A Quiet Place, and Godzilla. Aadahl’s philosophy centers on using sound as a narrative tool to evoke emotion and tension, often blending organic and synthetic textures to create immersive, award-winning soundscapes.
ETHAN VAN DER RYN
Ethan Van der Ryn is a titan in the world of sound design, boasting two Academy Awards for his contributions to The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and King Kong. Throughout his prolific career, he has played a pivotal role in defining the auditory identity of major cinematic universes, frequently partnering with Erik Aadahl through their post-production house, E² Sound. From the roaring intensity of Godzilla to the intricate details of the Kung Fu Panda series, Van der Ryn is celebrated for his technical mastery and his ability to elevate storytelling through sophisticated sound editorial.
The Credits
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