WARNING: Spoilers for the Netflix sci-fi drama Spaceman.
In Spaceman, Adam Sandler delivers a remarkable performance as astronaut Jakub. Halfway through his 12-month solo mission in outer space, Jakub receives the shocking news that his wife Lenka, played by Carey Mulligan, wants a divorce. But what really captivates audiences is the talking alien spider named Hanuš, voiced by Paul Dano. Hanuš adds an intriguing element to the story, making Spaceman a must-watch for fans of Sandler's dramatic work.
Spaceman Doesn't Confirm Whether Hanus Is Real Or Jakub's Manifestation
The new Netflix movie, "Spaceman," is an adaptation of Jaroslav Kalfar's 2017 novel titled "Spaceman of Bohemia." Despite mixed reviews from critics, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 51% upon its streaming release on March 1, 2024, the film directed by Johan Renck stays true to the core elements of the book. In particular, it delves into the contemplative and existential themes revolving around Jakub's marital struggles. As Jakub's emotional turmoil escalates due to his strained relationship with Lenka, a friendly extraterrestrial arachnid creature named Dano enters the scene. Dano helps ease Jakub's loneliness by revealing the secrets of the universe and the enigmatic Chopra Cloud.
Adam Sandler faces the creature in Spaceman - Spaceman Doesn't Confirm Whether Hanus Is Real Or Jakub's Manifestation
Dano's Hanuš is the most wise and adorable character in Spaceman. By the end of the sci-fi drama, it remains uncertain whether he is real or a creation of Jakub's imagination. Both possibilities could make sense given the fantastical nature of the story world set in a parallel alternate reality of Earth. Hanuš's interactions with physical objects, like a container of chocolate frosting, and with Jakub himself, especially when they share a heartfelt hug in outer space, are strong indications that he may indeed be a real presence in the story.
Hanus' Space Origins & Mission Explained
Without any other character confirming the existence of Hanuš, it's more than likely that he is a product of Jakub's imagination and a way to cope with his loneliness and marital stresses while completely isolated in outer space. Peter, a space technician back on Earth who is Jakub's primary contact, never detects the spider or sees him on camera, which is said to be broken throughout the film. Still, it's not entirely clear just how many cameras are broken on Jakub's ship, but at least one working camera would have easily spotted the giant talking spider-guru. Because Hanuš goes completely undetected on the ship, he is more than likely an imaginary creature.
the spider crawls around seats in Spaceman - Hanus' Space Origins & Mission Explained
Hanuš had to leave his home planet due to an invasion by the Gorompeds that devastated his species. He embarked on a journey to explore different life forms in the universe, managing to hitch a ride on Jakub's spaceship after being attracted by the ship's peculiar vibrations. His interest in Jakub stems from a deep curiosity about humans, driving him to uncover universal truths about emotions like guilt, fear, and hope.
Why Jakub Names The Giant Spider Hanus
Adam Sandler wears an astronaut suit in Spaceman - Why Jakub Names The Giant Spider Hanus
The Naming of Hanuš
Before Jakub christens the arachnid alien creature as Hanuš, it claims to have never had a name. Jakub associates the name with a legendary figure from Czech Republic folklore who built an impressive astronomical clock, only to suffer a gruesome fate at the hands of a jealous ruler. However, Jakub later discovers that the legend of Hanuš was just a myth, leaving him uncertain of the figure's existence. This uncertainty mirrors the situation with the spider creature, adding to the mystery of whether Hanuš is a real being or simply a mythical creation. As a result, the name Hanuš proves to be a fitting choice in the world of Spaceman.
The spider creature talks to Adam Sandler in Spaceman - Gorompeds & Hanus' Death Explained
The Gorompeds are a type of aliens resembling small insects. Hanuš revealed to Jakub that they had invaded his home planet and wiped out his kind, and now they were still living inside him. Jakub attempted to use Bomba disinfectant chemicals on Hanuš, providing temporary relief. However, Hanuš knew that the Gorompeds would soon take over him completely. In the end, they consumed him whole, turning him into space dust within the Chopra Cloud. Little is known about the Gorompeds and their motives for waiting until that moment to kill Hanuš.
Why Hanus Was So Important To Jakub In Spaceman
Metaphorically speaking, the death of Hanuš awakened something within Jakub and his understanding of how the universe works. Hanuš reaffirms throughout Spaceman that everything in the universe is exactly as it should be, which is why he embraces his fate without fear or sadness. This is only one of the lessons that Hanuš imprints on Jakub, who has once again found clarity in the important things in his life and his infinite love for Lenka. Spaceman suggests that Hanuš's death sprang a new life within Jakub, which aligns with the idea that every beginning and end occur simultaneously.
Adam Sandler as an astronaut named Jakub wearing a space suit in Spaceman (2024). - Why Hanus Was So Important To Jakub In Spaceman
In the movie Spaceman, Hanuš plays the role of a wise and gentle character who contrasts Jakub's pessimistic and desolate perspective. Director Johan Renck, in the press notes for Spaceman, describes Hanuš as the "voice of reason" for Jakub. Renck suggests that Hanuš could be seen as a timeless entity or a figment of Jakub's imagination, created as a companion during his moments of confinement and loneliness in the spaceship. Renck reflects on how he himself engages in inner dialogues during challenging times, highlighting the universal ability to have an inner self and an outer self.
Spaceman's director gives viewers the chance to decide if Hanuš is real or not, providing evidence for both possibilities. Just like Dumbledore's words to Harry Potter in The Deathly Hallows, the deep themes and conclusion of Spaceman share a similar idea: "Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?" Renck does mention one important point about Hanuš, saying, "I don’t want this film to be about some kind of manifestation from a lonely astronaut. That bores me a little bit, actually." However, the impact of Hanuš on Jakub, whether real or not, remains the same in Spaceman.
Editor's P/S:
The article on "Spaceman" provides an intriguing exploration of the film's enigmatic character, Hanuš, and his role in the protagonist's journey. The writer effectively captures the captivating nature of the character and the ambiguity surrounding his existence. The discussion of the various possibilities—whether Hanuš is a real alien entity or a manifestation of Jakub's imagination—is thought-provoking and adds depth to the analysis.
Overall, the article succeeds in highlighting the multifaceted nature of Hanuš and his significance within the film's narrative. It prompts readers to consider the deeper themes of loneliness, companionship, and the search for meaning in the vastness of space. The article effectively conveys the film's exploration of these existential concepts, leaving a lasting impression on the reader's mind.
