Was The Spider Real in Spaceman – Breaking Down the Details

“Spaceman,” the 2024 science fiction film directed by Johan Renck, takes viewers on a visually stunning and introspective journey through the isolated world of astronaut Jakub Prohazka. 

But amidst the desolate landscapes of Venus and the claustrophobic confines of his spacecraft, a peculiar companion emerges Hanuš, a giant, talking spider. The film leaves the question of Hanuš’s reality deliberately ambiguous, sparking debate and inviting interpretation.

If you are wondering, “Was the spider real in Spaceman?” we have some insights to share that could confirm or deny your thoughts.

Was Hanuš a Real Creature?

If you have read the book that inspired the show or have watched the show, several clues indicate towards the possibility that Hanuš is very well a real creature.

Hanuš leaves behind tangible evidence of his presence. He offers Jakub a hazelnut, a physical object that stays with him. Additionally, in a dreamlike sequence, Hanuš weaves a web that physically restrains Jakub. These interactions suggest Hanuš is not merely a figment.

The spider displays otherworldly abilities. He can seemingly teleport, appearing and disappearing at will. He also phases through solid objects like the walls of the spacecraft. These capabilities are beyond human understanding and hint at an alien origin.

No one else interacts with Hanuš. If he were a manifestation of Jakub’s mind, one might expect other characters to perceive him as well. This isolation strengthens the case for Hanuš being an external entity.

In the source novel by Jaroslav Kalfar, another cosmonaut mentions encountering a talking spider. While absent from the film, this detail adds weight to the possibility of Hanuš being a real, recurring phenomenon astronauts experience.

According to director Johan Renck, the film is open to interpretation. However, he has stated in interviews that he believes Hanuš is a real entity, a creature existing “from the beginning of time” that interacts with humans. It is all up to how you perceive Hanus’ existence.

Is Hanuš a Manifestation of Jakub’s Mind?

Despite the compelling arguments above, there’s strong evidence that Hanuš could be a product of Jakub’s mental state. However, we have to keep in mind that there’s a lot for the spider to be a basic manifestation of Jakub’s mind instead of being real.

The extreme isolation and loneliness Jakub experiences during his mission are well-documented factors that can trigger hallucinations. Hanuš’s appearance could be a manifestation of his deepest desires for companionship and guidance.

The film’s dreamlike atmosphere blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. Events unfold with a surreal quality, making it difficult to discern what’s truly happening. This ambiguity supports the notion of Hanuš existing within Jakub’s mind.

According to the film’s production designer, the intention was for the entire narrative to unfold within Jakub’s head. This perspective suggests that Hanuš, along with the entire journey, is a product of his imagination.

There are a lot of interpretations up for the audience to establish. So, at this point, it is more about how you perceive the show as a fan.