NASA astronaut José Hernández has revealed why he believed only Michael Peña could adequately portray him in the upcoming film “A Million Miles Away,” which chronicles his remarkable life story. Hernández, 61 years old, cited a rather unique reason for choosing Peña for the role: the actor’s previous experience donning an orange space suit, as seen in the 2015 film “The Martian.”
Hernández shared that when the opportunity to cast the lead role in “A Million Miles Away” arose, he suggested Michael Peña to writer-director Alejandra Márquez Abella and the film’s producers. His reasoning was simple but quite entertaining: Peña had already experienced the sensation of wearing a space suit, albeit in a fictional setting. Luckily, the filmmakers took Hernández’s suggestion seriously, and Michael Peña accepted the role, bringing the astronaut’s captivating journey to life on the big screen.
Alejandra Márquez Abella, aged 41, who helmed the adaptation of Hernández’s memoir, “Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut,” shared that they didn’t consider anyone else for the role. Peña, as one of the most prominent Mexican-American stars in Hollywood, was the clear choice from the very beginning, according to Abella.
The decision to cast Peña as José Hernández also had a deeper layer. Abella emphasized that Peña brought an extraordinary level of relatability to the character. When people imagine astronauts, they typically envision individuals who are distant and detached from everyday life. However, Peña’s portrayal carries a sense of familiarity and authenticity, making it easier for audiences to connect with the character. Hernández humorously added that his “normal-looking” appearance was essential for viewers to empathize with the character and rally behind an underdog story.
José Hernández’s life story, from humble beginnings to becoming a NASA astronaut, is inherently cinematic and well-suited for Hollywood treatment. Born to Mexican immigrants in California, Hernández achieved his dream of becoming an astronaut in 2009, making history as the first itinerant farmhand to venture into space during NASA’s Space Shuttle mission STS-128.
As “A Million Miles Away” nears its release date, viewers may wonder how closely the film aligns with José Hernández’s real-life experiences. Thanks to the collaboration between Hernández, Peña, and the filmmaking team, most details in the movie faithfully capture his journey. This includes his unwavering determination, marked by 12 applications and 11 rejections before finally gaining entry into NASA’s astronaut training program in 2001. The film also portrays the astronaut’s quirky job of covering a dishwashing shift at his wife Adela’s Houston restaurant while wearing his space suit, showcasing a unique blend of ordinary life and space adventures.
Additionally, Hernández’s childhood love for “Star Trek” doesn’t go unnoticed. He proudly identifies as a Trekkie and acknowledges the inspiration he drew from William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and Gene Roddenberry for inspiring an entire generation.
One of the central themes of “A Million Miles Away” is the portrayal of Hernández’s early years spent laboring alongside his family in California, picking lettuce, strawberries, and grapes. Director Abella believes that these modest beginnings were pivotal in illustrating the mindset and work ethic that fueled Hernández’s extraordinary journey.
The film not only celebrates Hernández’s remarkable achievements but also sheds light on the importance of showcasing ordinary Latin American individuals achieving extraordinary feats on the big screen. Hernández views “A Million Miles Away” as a significant honor and hopes it inspires and empowers audiences. The film epitomizes the American dream, emphasizing that hard work, education, and determination can lead to success. In Hernández’s words, “It’s funny how the harder I work, the luckier I get.”
“A Million Miles Away” is set to hit theaters and Amazon Prime Video on September 15, offering a captivating glimpse into José Hernández’s incredible transformation from a migrant farmworker to a NASA astronaut, all brought to life by the talented Michael Peña.
