TikTok is expanding Manage Topics, a feature that lets you customize how often content in the platform’s top 10 categories surfaces in your feed, like sports, travel, humor, creative arts, and dance. After rolling out a pilot in the US last year, TikTok spokesperson Jessica Allen confirmed to The Verge that it’s now launching globally.
TikTok says the settings “won’t eliminate topics entirely, but can influence how often they’re recommended as your interests evolve over time.” Once you adjust them, TikTok says it “might take some time” for the changes to go into effect. Manage topics also only impact the videos shown on your For You feed – not anywhere else on the platform.
To personalize the topics in your feed, head to your settings and select Content preferences > Managetopics. You can also access the option by tapping the Share button on a post in your For You feed, hitting Why this video > Adjust your For You > Manage Topics. From there, you can move a slider beneath each topic, indicating how often you want to see related videos, and hit Save.
Along with this setting’s wider rollout, TikTok is expanding on its keyword filters that block topics from appearing in your feed. The platform is now using AI for “smart” keyword filters to not only block the specific keyword you enter, but also restrict content with captions, hashtags, or descriptions containing related words. TikTok will show the other keywords that it’s blocking, and will also give you the ability to select or deselect words “in the months to come.” The platform also plans on supporting more than 200 keywords per user, up from 100.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Thursday his office will investigate OpenAI for its alleged harm to minors, potential to threaten national security, and its possible link to a shooting that took place at Florida State University last year.
“ChatGPT may likely have been used to assist the murderer in the recent mass school shooting at Florida State University that tragically took two lives,” Attorney General Uthmeier said in a video posted to social media.
On the day of the FSU shooting last April, the suspect allegedly asked ChatGPT how the country would react to a shooting at FSU, and what time it would be busiest at the FSU student union. These messages could potentially be used as evidence against the suspect in an October trial about the shooting.
The attorney general cited further concerns about ChatGPT’s encouragement of suicide in certain instances, which have been documented in multiple lawsuits brought by families against OpenAI. He also mentioned his concern that the Chinese Communist Party could use OpenAI’s technology against the United States.
“As big tech rolls out these technologies, they should not — they cannot — put our safety and security at risk,” he said. “We support innovation. But that doesn’t give any company the right to endanger our children, facilitate criminal activity, empower America’s enemies, or threaten our national security.”
He also called on the Florida legislature to “work quickly” to protect children from the negative impacts of AI.
“Each week, more than 900 million people use ChatGPT to improve their daily lives through uses such as learning new skills or navigating complex healthcare systems,” an OpenAI spokesperson said in a statement to TechCrunch. “Our ongoing safety work continues to play an important role in delivering these benefits to everyday people, as well as supporting scientific research and discovery.”
Techcrunch event
San Francisco, CA|October 13-15, 2026
OpenAI added that it builds and continues to improve ChatGPT to understand user intent and respond in appropriate, safe ways. The company said it will cooperate with the Florida attorney general’s investigation.
On Wednesday, OpenAI unveiled its Child Safety Blueprint, which includes policy recommendations designed to improve children’s safety as it relates to AI.
This action comes as chatbot makers face pressure to confront their potential role in creating child sexual abuse material (CSAM). According to a recent report from the Internet Watch Foundation, there were over 8,000 reports of AI-generated CSAM in the first half of 2025, which represents a 14% increase year over year.
OpenAI’s blueprint recommends updating legislation to protect against AI-generated abuse material, refining the reporting process to law enforcement, and instituting better preventative safeguards against abusive uses of AI tools.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Thursday his office will investigate OpenAI for its alleged harm to minors, potential to threaten national security, and its possible link to a shooting that took place at Florida State University last year.
“ChatGPT may likely have been used to assist the murderer in the recent mass school shooting at Florida State University that tragically took two lives,” Attorney General Uthmeier said in a video posted to social media.
On the day of the FSU shooting last April, the suspect allegedly asked ChatGPT how the country would react to a shooting at FSU, and what time it would be busiest at the FSU student union. These messages could potentially be used as evidence against the suspect in an October trial about the shooting.
The attorney general cited further concerns about ChatGPT’s encouragement of suicide in certain instances, which have been documented in multiple lawsuits brought by families against OpenAI. He also mentioned his concern that the Chinese Communist Party could use OpenAI’s technology against the United States.
“As big tech rolls out these technologies, they should not — they cannot — put our safety and security at risk,” he said. “We support innovation. But that doesn’t give any company the right to endanger our children, facilitate criminal activity, empower America’s enemies, or threaten our national security.”
He also called on the Florida legislature to “work quickly” to protect children from the negative impacts of AI.
“Each week, more than 900 million people use ChatGPT to improve their daily lives through uses such as learning new skills or navigating complex healthcare systems,” an OpenAI spokesperson said in a statement to TechCrunch. “Our ongoing safety work continues to play an important role in delivering these benefits to everyday people, as well as supporting scientific research and discovery.”
Techcrunch event
San Francisco, CA|October 13-15, 2026
OpenAI added that it builds and continues to improve ChatGPT to understand user intent and respond in appropriate, safe ways. The company said it will cooperate with the Florida attorney general’s investigation.
On Wednesday, OpenAI unveiled its Child Safety Blueprint, which includes policy recommendations designed to improve children’s safety as it relates to AI.
This action comes as chatbot makers face pressure to confront their potential role in creating child sexual abuse material (CSAM). According to a recent report from the Internet Watch Foundation, there were over 8,000 reports of AI-generated CSAM in the first half of 2025, which represents a 14% increase year over year.
OpenAI’s blueprint recommends updating legislation to protect against AI-generated abuse material, refining the reporting process to law enforcement, and instituting better preventative safeguards against abusive uses of AI tools.
#Florida #probe #OpenAI #alleging #connection #FSU #shooting #TechCrunchChatGPT,OpenAI">Florida AG to probe OpenAI, alleging possible connection to FSU shooting | TechCrunch
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Thursday his office will investigate OpenAI for its alleged harm to minors, potential to threaten national security, and its possible link to a shooting that took place at Florida State University last year.
“ChatGPT may likely have been used to assist the murderer in the recent mass school shooting at Florida State University that tragically took two lives,” Attorney General Uthmeier said in a video posted to social media.
On the day of the FSU shooting last April, the suspect allegedly asked ChatGPT how the country would react to a shooting at FSU, and what time it would be busiest at the FSU student union. These messages could potentially be used as evidence against the suspect in an October trial about the shooting.
The attorney general cited further concerns about ChatGPT’s encouragement of suicide in certain instances, which have been documented in multiple lawsuits brought by families against OpenAI. He also mentioned his concern that the Chinese Communist Party could use OpenAI’s technology against the United States.
“As big tech rolls out these technologies, they should not — they cannot — put our safety and security at risk,” he said. “We support innovation. But that doesn’t give any company the right to endanger our children, facilitate criminal activity, empower America’s enemies, or threaten our national security.”
He also called on the Florida legislature to “work quickly” to protect children from the negative impacts of AI.
“Each week, more than 900 million people use ChatGPT to improve their daily lives through uses such as learning new skills or navigating complex healthcare systems,” an OpenAI spokesperson said in a statement to TechCrunch. “Our ongoing safety work continues to play an important role in delivering these benefits to everyday people, as well as supporting scientific research and discovery.”
Techcrunch event
San Francisco, CA|October 13-15, 2026
OpenAI added that it builds and continues to improve ChatGPT to understand user intent and respond in appropriate, safe ways. The company said it will cooperate with the Florida attorney general’s investigation.
On Wednesday, OpenAI unveiled its Child Safety Blueprint, which includes policy recommendations designed to improve children’s safety as it relates to AI.
This action comes as chatbot makers face pressure to confront their potential role in creating child sexual abuse material (CSAM). According to a recent report from the Internet Watch Foundation, there were over 8,000 reports of AI-generated CSAM in the first half of 2025, which represents a 14% increase year over year.
OpenAI’s blueprint recommends updating legislation to protect against AI-generated abuse material, refining the reporting process to law enforcement, and instituting better preventative safeguards against abusive uses of AI tools.
The first thing I noticed when I started using the HyperX Pulsefire Saga was how light it felt in my hand. At just 69 grams, it felt easy to control without feeling too fragile. While gaming, this made tracking and quick reactions feel smoother. What really makes this mouse different is its modular build. I was able to change the top shell, button covers, and side buttons within seconds. The magnetic system works well, and everything clicks into place securely. Even after changing configurations multiple times, the build stayed consistent.
In terms of comfort, I used it for long sessions, sometimes up to a few hours at a stretch. The weight, or lack thereof, helps a lot with comfort, and I didn’t experience the strain that I normally get with a heavier mouse. There are a couple of things that didn’t quite work for me, though. The side buttons don’t really feel as high-quality as the rest of the mouse, and there’s a little wobble if you look up close. The scroll wheel is also a bit smaller, but these are just nitpicks.
Overall, the module design is more about function than style, especially if you like to have control over mouse comfort.
Performance
In terms of performance, this mouse does not disappoint. The 26K DPI sensor shines for tracking, and the ability to reach an 8K polling rate is a clear indicator that this mouse is intended for precision use. I tested it with games like Valorant and GTA V, and the performance was pretty stellar. The movements felt smooth, and I did not feel jitters or unusual behavior.
Whether I was making small aim corrections or fast flicks, it reacted instantly. This made it easier to stay consistent during matches. The clicks have a fast and responsive feel, particularly when you’re firing weapons in FPS games.
With a wired mouse, I found that the cable didn’t interfere with my gaming experience because it was flexible enough to allow natural movement. Overall, performance is accurate, fast, and reliable, which is particularly important for a competitive gamer.
Software and Battery
Since this is a wired mouse, battery life isn’t something you need to worry about. I could just plug it in and start playing without worrying about charging or interruptions, which I found really convenient.
For software, HyperX provides NGENUITY. I used it to customize DPI settings, adjust the polling rate, and play around with RGB lighting. The controls are easy to understand, so setting things up didn’t take much effort. There are also options to remap buttons and fine-tune performance settings. It gives enough control for most users without feeling overwhelming.
That said, once I finished setting things up, I didn’t really need to open the software again. It works well, but it’s more of a one-time setup tool rather than something you’ll use regularly.
Verdict
After using the HyperX Pulsefire Saga for a while, it’s clear that it’s more than just a gaming mouse. You can currently buy this mouse from Amazon for Rs. 3,990. I played around with a few settings before finding one that felt comfortable to use, and once I got into the swing of things, it was much more comfortable. From a functionality standpoint, I can say it’s held up incredibly well. The sensor is fast and reliable, and the lightweight design is a big plus for long-term use.
One or two things could be improved, particularly the side buttons and the wheel, but they didn’t really affect my overall experience. If you’re like me and want a slightly more personalized, comfortable experience, this mouse makes a lot of sense.
The first thing I noticed when I started using the HyperX Pulsefire Saga was how light it felt in my hand. At just 69 grams, it felt easy to control without feeling too fragile. While gaming, this made tracking and quick reactions feel smoother. What really makes this mouse different is its modular build. I was able to change the top shell, button covers, and side buttons within seconds. The magnetic system works well, and everything clicks into place securely. Even after changing configurations multiple times, the build stayed consistent.
In terms of comfort, I used it for long sessions, sometimes up to a few hours at a stretch. The weight, or lack thereof, helps a lot with comfort, and I didn’t experience the strain that I normally get with a heavier mouse. There are a couple of things that didn’t quite work for me, though. The side buttons don’t really feel as high-quality as the rest of the mouse, and there’s a little wobble if you look up close. The scroll wheel is also a bit smaller, but these are just nitpicks.
Overall, the module design is more about function than style, especially if you like to have control over mouse comfort.
Performance
In terms of performance, this mouse does not disappoint. The 26K DPI sensor shines for tracking, and the ability to reach an 8K polling rate is a clear indicator that this mouse is intended for precision use. I tested it with games like Valorant and GTA V, and the performance was pretty stellar. The movements felt smooth, and I did not feel jitters or unusual behavior.
Whether I was making small aim corrections or fast flicks, it reacted instantly. This made it easier to stay consistent during matches. The clicks have a fast and responsive feel, particularly when you’re firing weapons in FPS games.
With a wired mouse, I found that the cable didn’t interfere with my gaming experience because it was flexible enough to allow natural movement. Overall, performance is accurate, fast, and reliable, which is particularly important for a competitive gamer.
Software and Battery
Since this is a wired mouse, battery life isn’t something you need to worry about. I could just plug it in and start playing without worrying about charging or interruptions, which I found really convenient.
For software, HyperX provides NGENUITY. I used it to customize DPI settings, adjust the polling rate, and play around with RGB lighting. The controls are easy to understand, so setting things up didn’t take much effort. There are also options to remap buttons and fine-tune performance settings. It gives enough control for most users without feeling overwhelming.
That said, once I finished setting things up, I didn’t really need to open the software again. It works well, but it’s more of a one-time setup tool rather than something you’ll use regularly.
Verdict
After using the HyperX Pulsefire Saga for a while, it’s clear that it’s more than just a gaming mouse. You can currently buy this mouse from Amazon for Rs. 3,990. I played around with a few settings before finding one that felt comfortable to use, and once I got into the swing of things, it was much more comfortable. From a functionality standpoint, I can say it’s held up incredibly well. The sensor is fast and reliable, and the lightweight design is a big plus for long-term use.
One or two things could be improved, particularly the side buttons and the wheel, but they didn’t really affect my overall experience. If you’re like me and want a slightly more personalized, comfortable experience, this mouse makes a lot of sense.
If you’re someone who spends hours gaming, you already know how important a good mouse is. The problem? Most gaming mice look different on paper but feel almost identical in hand. With so many options out there, it’s getting harder to find something that actually stands out. The HyperX Pulsefire Saga tries to flip that idea on its head with a modular design. Instead of adjusting your grip to the mouse, you can tweak the mouse itself to match your comfort. It also promises strong performance, with features such as a 26K DPI sensor and an 8K polling rate. But beyond the specs, I wanted to see if the modular design makes it better to use in real gameplay.
HyperX Pulsefire Saga
Deepti Pathak
Summary
After using the HyperX Pulsefire Saga for a while, it’s clear that it’s more than just a gaming mouse. From a functionality standpoint, I can say it’s held up incredibly well. The sensor is fast and reliable, and the lightweight design is a big plus for long-term use.
Design and Build
The first thing I noticed when I started using the HyperX Pulsefire Saga was how light it felt in my hand. At just 69 grams, it felt easy to control without feeling too fragile. While gaming, this made tracking and quick reactions feel smoother. What really makes this mouse different is its modular build. I was able to change the top shell, button covers, and side buttons within seconds. The magnetic system works well, and everything clicks into place securely. Even after changing configurations multiple times, the build stayed consistent.
In terms of comfort, I used it for long sessions, sometimes up to a few hours at a stretch. The weight, or lack thereof, helps a lot with comfort, and I didn’t experience the strain that I normally get with a heavier mouse. There are a couple of things that didn’t quite work for me, though. The side buttons don’t really feel as high-quality as the rest of the mouse, and there’s a little wobble if you look up close. The scroll wheel is also a bit smaller, but these are just nitpicks.
Overall, the module design is more about function than style, especially if you like to have control over mouse comfort.
Performance
In terms of performance, this mouse does not disappoint. The 26K DPI sensor shines for tracking, and the ability to reach an 8K polling rate is a clear indicator that this mouse is intended for precision use. I tested it with games like Valorant and GTA V, and the performance was pretty stellar. The movements felt smooth, and I did not feel jitters or unusual behavior.
Whether I was making small aim corrections or fast flicks, it reacted instantly. This made it easier to stay consistent during matches. The clicks have a fast and responsive feel, particularly when you’re firing weapons in FPS games.
With a wired mouse, I found that the cable didn’t interfere with my gaming experience because it was flexible enough to allow natural movement. Overall, performance is accurate, fast, and reliable, which is particularly important for a competitive gamer.
Software and Battery
Since this is a wired mouse, battery life isn’t something you need to worry about. I could just plug it in and start playing without worrying about charging or interruptions, which I found really convenient.
For software, HyperX provides NGENUITY. I used it to customize DPI settings, adjust the polling rate, and play around with RGB lighting. The controls are easy to understand, so setting things up didn’t take much effort. There are also options to remap buttons and fine-tune performance settings. It gives enough control for most users without feeling overwhelming.
That said, once I finished setting things up, I didn’t really need to open the software again. It works well, but it’s more of a one-time setup tool rather than something you’ll use regularly.
Verdict
After using the HyperX Pulsefire Saga for a while, it’s clear that it’s more than just a gaming mouse. You can currently buy this mouse from Amazon for Rs. 3,990. I played around with a few settings before finding one that felt comfortable to use, and once I got into the swing of things, it was much more comfortable. From a functionality standpoint, I can say it’s held up incredibly well. The sensor is fast and reliable, and the lightweight design is a big plus for long-term use.
One or two things could be improved, particularly the side buttons and the wheel, but they didn’t really affect my overall experience. If you’re like me and want a slightly more personalized, comfortable experience, this mouse makes a lot of sense.
Project Hail Mary has only been in theaters for a few weeks, but its alien star, Rocky, has already become a legend. He’s got merch, hundreds of millions in box office dollars, and was even quoted during the Artemis 2 space mission. And to think it all began with puppeteer James Ortiz walking a hand-sized puppet all over Ryan Gosling’s body.
The Los Angeles Times recently posted a lovely little profile on Ortiz, who has been a successful, well-known puppeteer long before his work as both the puppeteer and voice of Rocky in Project Hail Mary. So when he got called in to audition to help bring the character to life, he didn’t use the larger-sized puppet the filmmakers had made. No, instead, he used a smaller puppet of his own creation that apparently looks oddly familiar.
“For a chemistry read with Gosling, with the film’s producers also present, Ortiz opted for using a version of Rocky he had made himself, which looked like Thing from The Addams Family; built off a fancy glove, instead of the larger puppet the production had available,” the article says. “That his hand version of Rocky could climb onto Gosling, and interact with the actor more directly, allowed for an amusing rapport to develop instantly between them.”
Once he had the job, the Rocky puppet that would be in the movie was designed by famed creature creator Neal Scanlan. Ortiz, though, being a seasoned pro himself, also provided input. “I had, ultimately, a lot of input, never on how Rocky looked, but a lot on how he was operated and what materials he was made out of,” Ortiz told the Times. “I was able to pick what types of fiberglass we were using to cast him out of, because I knew, given the amount of improvisation that we would be doing on set, [that] I needed a puppet that could do anything.”
And, we think, the results speak for themselves.
Read more about Ortiz’s journey to Project Hail Mary over at the LA Times. The film is still in theaters.
Project Hail Mary has only been in theaters for a few weeks, but its alien star, Rocky, has already become a legend. He’s got merch, hundreds of millions in box office dollars, and was even quoted during the Artemis 2 space mission. And to think it all began with puppeteer James Ortiz walking a hand-sized puppet all over Ryan Gosling’s body.
The Los Angeles Times recently posted a lovely little profile on Ortiz, who has been a successful, well-known puppeteer long before his work as both the puppeteer and voice of Rocky in Project Hail Mary. So when he got called in to audition to help bring the character to life, he didn’t use the larger-sized puppet the filmmakers had made. No, instead, he used a smaller puppet of his own creation that apparently looks oddly familiar.
“For a chemistry read with Gosling, with the film’s producers also present, Ortiz opted for using a version of Rocky he had made himself, which looked like Thing from The Addams Family; built off a fancy glove, instead of the larger puppet the production had available,” the article says. “That his hand version of Rocky could climb onto Gosling, and interact with the actor more directly, allowed for an amusing rapport to develop instantly between them.”
Once he had the job, the Rocky puppet that would be in the movie was designed by famed creature creator Neal Scanlan. Ortiz, though, being a seasoned pro himself, also provided input. “I had, ultimately, a lot of input, never on how Rocky looked, but a lot on how he was operated and what materials he was made out of,” Ortiz told the Times. “I was able to pick what types of fiberglass we were using to cast him out of, because I knew, given the amount of improvisation that we would be doing on set, [that] I needed a puppet that could do anything.”
And, we think, the results speak for themselves.
Read more about Ortiz’s journey to Project Hail Mary over at the LA Times. The film is still in theaters.
#Hands #Rocky #Hired #Project #Hail #MaryJames Ortiz,Project Hail Mary">How the Hands Behind Rocky Got Hired for ‘Project Hail Mary’
Project Hail Mary has only been in theaters for a few weeks, but its alien star, Rocky, has already become a legend. He’s got merch, hundreds of millions in box office dollars, and was even quoted during the Artemis 2 space mission. And to think it all began with puppeteer James Ortiz walking a hand-sized puppet all over Ryan Gosling’s body.
The Los Angeles Times recently posted a lovely little profile on Ortiz, who has been a successful, well-known puppeteer long before his work as both the puppeteer and voice of Rocky in Project Hail Mary. So when he got called in to audition to help bring the character to life, he didn’t use the larger-sized puppet the filmmakers had made. No, instead, he used a smaller puppet of his own creation that apparently looks oddly familiar.
“For a chemistry read with Gosling, with the film’s producers also present, Ortiz opted for using a version of Rocky he had made himself, which looked like Thing from The Addams Family; built off a fancy glove, instead of the larger puppet the production had available,” the article says. “That his hand version of Rocky could climb onto Gosling, and interact with the actor more directly, allowed for an amusing rapport to develop instantly between them.”
Once he had the job, the Rocky puppet that would be in the movie was designed by famed creature creator Neal Scanlan. Ortiz, though, being a seasoned pro himself, also provided input. “I had, ultimately, a lot of input, never on how Rocky looked, but a lot on how he was operated and what materials he was made out of,” Ortiz told the Times. “I was able to pick what types of fiberglass we were using to cast him out of, because I knew, given the amount of improvisation that we would be doing on set, [that] I needed a puppet that could do anything.”
And, we think, the results speak for themselves.
Read more about Ortiz’s journey to Project Hail Mary over at the LA Times. The film is still in theaters.
![How the Hands Behind Rocky Got Hired for ‘Project Hail Mary’
Project Hail Mary has only been in theaters for a few weeks, but its alien star, Rocky, has already become a legend. He’s got merch, hundreds of millions in box office dollars, and was even quoted during the Artemis 2 space mission. And to think it all began with puppeteer James Ortiz walking a hand-sized puppet all over Ryan Gosling’s body. The Los Angeles Times recently posted a lovely little profile on Ortiz, who has been a successful, well-known puppeteer long before his work as both the puppeteer and voice of Rocky in Project Hail Mary. So when he got called in to audition to help bring the character to life, he didn’t use the larger-sized puppet the filmmakers had made. No, instead, he used a smaller puppet of his own creation that apparently looks oddly familiar.
“For a chemistry read with Gosling, with the film’s producers also present, Ortiz opted for using a version of Rocky he had made himself, which looked like Thing from The Addams Family; built off a fancy glove, instead of the larger puppet the production had available,” the article says. “That his hand version of Rocky could climb onto Gosling, and interact with the actor more directly, allowed for an amusing rapport to develop instantly between them.” Once he had the job, the Rocky puppet that would be in the movie was designed by famed creature creator Neal Scanlan. Ortiz, though, being a seasoned pro himself, also provided input. “I had, ultimately, a lot of input, never on how Rocky looked, but a lot on how he was operated and what materials he was made out of,” Ortiz told the Times. “I was able to pick what types of fiberglass we were using to cast him out of, because I knew, given the amount of improvisation that we would be doing on set, [that] I needed a puppet that could do anything.”
And, we think, the results speak for themselves. Read more about Ortiz’s journey to Project Hail Mary over at the LA Times. The film is still in theaters. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Hands #Rocky #Hired #Project #Hail #MaryJames Ortiz,Project Hail Mary](https://i1.wp.com/gizmodo.com/app/uploads/2026/04/James-Ortiz-Rocky-Project-Hail-Mary-1280x853.jpg?ssl=1 "How the Hands Behind Rocky Got Hired for ‘Project Hail Mary’
Project Hail Mary has only been in theaters for a few weeks, but its alien star, Rocky, has already become a legend. He’s got merch, hundreds of millions in box office dollars, and was even quoted during the Artemis 2 space mission. And to think it all began with puppeteer James Ortiz walking a hand-sized puppet all over Ryan Gosling’s body. The Los Angeles Times recently posted a lovely little profile on Ortiz, who has been a successful, well-known puppeteer long before his work as both the puppeteer and voice of Rocky in Project Hail Mary. So when he got called in to audition to help bring the character to life, he didn’t use the larger-sized puppet the filmmakers had made. No, instead, he used a smaller puppet of his own creation that apparently looks oddly familiar.
“For a chemistry read with Gosling, with the film’s producers also present, Ortiz opted for using a version of Rocky he had made himself, which looked like Thing from The Addams Family; built off a fancy glove, instead of the larger puppet the production had available,” the article says. “That his hand version of Rocky could climb onto Gosling, and interact with the actor more directly, allowed for an amusing rapport to develop instantly between them.” Once he had the job, the Rocky puppet that would be in the movie was designed by famed creature creator Neal Scanlan. Ortiz, though, being a seasoned pro himself, also provided input. “I had, ultimately, a lot of input, never on how Rocky looked, but a lot on how he was operated and what materials he was made out of,” Ortiz told the Times. “I was able to pick what types of fiberglass we were using to cast him out of, because I knew, given the amount of improvisation that we would be doing on set, [that] I needed a puppet that could do anything.”
And, we think, the results speak for themselves. Read more about Ortiz’s journey to Project Hail Mary over at the LA Times. The film is still in theaters. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Hands #Rocky #Hired #Project #Hail #MaryJames Ortiz,Project Hail Mary")
![How the Hands Behind Rocky Got Hired for ‘Project Hail Mary’
Project Hail Mary has only been in theaters for a few weeks, but its alien star, Rocky, has already become a legend. He’s got merch, hundreds of millions in box office dollars, and was even quoted during the Artemis 2 space mission. And to think it all began with puppeteer James Ortiz walking a hand-sized puppet all over Ryan Gosling’s body. The Los Angeles Times recently posted a lovely little profile on Ortiz, who has been a successful, well-known puppeteer long before his work as both the puppeteer and voice of Rocky in Project Hail Mary. So when he got called in to audition to help bring the character to life, he didn’t use the larger-sized puppet the filmmakers had made. No, instead, he used a smaller puppet of his own creation that apparently looks oddly familiar.
“For a chemistry read with Gosling, with the film’s producers also present, Ortiz opted for using a version of Rocky he had made himself, which looked like Thing from The Addams Family; built off a fancy glove, instead of the larger puppet the production had available,” the article says. “That his hand version of Rocky could climb onto Gosling, and interact with the actor more directly, allowed for an amusing rapport to develop instantly between them.” Once he had the job, the Rocky puppet that would be in the movie was designed by famed creature creator Neal Scanlan. Ortiz, though, being a seasoned pro himself, also provided input. “I had, ultimately, a lot of input, never on how Rocky looked, but a lot on how he was operated and what materials he was made out of,” Ortiz told the Times. “I was able to pick what types of fiberglass we were using to cast him out of, because I knew, given the amount of improvisation that we would be doing on set, [that] I needed a puppet that could do anything.”
And, we think, the results speak for themselves. Read more about Ortiz’s journey to Project Hail Mary over at the LA Times. The film is still in theaters. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Hands #Rocky #Hired #Project #Hail #MaryJames Ortiz,Project Hail Mary](https://gizmodo.com/app/uploads/2026/04/James-Ortiz-Rocky-Project-Hail-Mary-1280x853.jpg "How the Hands Behind Rocky Got Hired for ‘Project Hail Mary’
Project Hail Mary has only been in theaters for a few weeks, but its alien star, Rocky, has already become a legend. He’s got merch, hundreds of millions in box office dollars, and was even quoted during the Artemis 2 space mission. And to think it all began with puppeteer James Ortiz walking a hand-sized puppet all over Ryan Gosling’s body. The Los Angeles Times recently posted a lovely little profile on Ortiz, who has been a successful, well-known puppeteer long before his work as both the puppeteer and voice of Rocky in Project Hail Mary. So when he got called in to audition to help bring the character to life, he didn’t use the larger-sized puppet the filmmakers had made. No, instead, he used a smaller puppet of his own creation that apparently looks oddly familiar.
“For a chemistry read with Gosling, with the film’s producers also present, Ortiz opted for using a version of Rocky he had made himself, which looked like Thing from The Addams Family; built off a fancy glove, instead of the larger puppet the production had available,” the article says. “That his hand version of Rocky could climb onto Gosling, and interact with the actor more directly, allowed for an amusing rapport to develop instantly between them.” Once he had the job, the Rocky puppet that would be in the movie was designed by famed creature creator Neal Scanlan. Ortiz, though, being a seasoned pro himself, also provided input. “I had, ultimately, a lot of input, never on how Rocky looked, but a lot on how he was operated and what materials he was made out of,” Ortiz told the Times. “I was able to pick what types of fiberglass we were using to cast him out of, because I knew, given the amount of improvisation that we would be doing on set, [that] I needed a puppet that could do anything.”
And, we think, the results speak for themselves. Read more about Ortiz’s journey to Project Hail Mary over at the LA Times. The film is still in theaters. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Hands #Rocky #Hired #Project #Hail #MaryJames Ortiz,Project Hail Mary")
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