Is Hidden Figures the Sequel to October Sky?

No, while both Hidden Figures and October Sky are powerful biographical films that delve into the lives and contributions of lesser-known individuals in the United States space program, they are not sequels to each other. Each film tells a unique and compelling story about important figures and events in NASA's rich history, but they are distinctly separate works.

Hidden Figures: Triumph over Discrimination

Hidden Figures, directed by Theodore Melfi and based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly, centers on the lives of three African-American women who worked at NASA during the early days of the space race. The women, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson, played crucial roles in the success of the space program, overcoming significant racial and gender barriers.

Katherine Johnson (played by Taraji P. Henson) was a mathematician whose work was essential to the successful launch and retrieval of the first American astronaut, Alan Shepard. Her calculations were so vital that she received a NASA honor for her contributions.

Dorothy Vaughan (played by Octavia Spencer) was a mathematician and supervisor who recognized the need for programming skills to adapt to the new technology NASA had acquired. She taught herself coding and used her leadership skills to ensure her team was prepared for the transition.

Mary Jackson (played by Janelle Monáe) worked on the design of the Friendship 7 capsule and was the initiator of the Women in Engineering (WIE) program, which paved the way for women to pursue engineering careers at NASA. Her pioneering efforts eventually led to her being promoted to the first Black woman engineer at NASA.

October Sky: The Humble Beginnings of a Legend

In contrast, October Sky, directed by Joe Johnston, is a coming-of-age story about Homer Hickam (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), a young coal miner from Kentucky. The film is based on the autobiographical book by Homer's brother, Jim. It follows his journey to becoming an engineer, eventually joining NASA and working on the Space Shuttle program.

Unlike the professionals portrayed in Hidden Figures, Homer's path to NASA is unconventional and filled with personal struggles and triumphs. His persistence and determination eventually lead him to achieve his lifelong dream of working for NASA. The film captures the essence of his early life, his love for rocket science, and his gradual transition from a coal mine to the skies of space.

Similarities and Differences

While both films celebrate the achievements of individuals who played crucial roles in the space program, they offer distinct narratives. Both shine a spotlight on the human aspect behind the technical achievements of NASA, highlighting the personal sacrifices and hard work that go into space exploration.

Similarities:

Both films are biographies that focus on lesser-known figures in the space program. They both highlight the challenges these individuals faced, both personal and professional. Both depict the tremendous impact that these individuals had on the success of NASA's missions.

Differences:

Hidden Figures focuses on the contributions of African-American women during World War II and the early days of the space race, while October Sky details the story of a young man from the coal fields who becomes an engineer and eventually joins NASA. While Hidden Figures emphasizes racial and gender equality, October Sky focuses on the journey of an individual to achieve his childhood dream against all odds. Hidden Figures focuses on the importance of mathematics and engineering in space exploration, whereas October Sky centers on the passion for science and innovation.

Conclusion

Both Hidden Figures and October Sky are important and inspiring films that chronicle different aspects of the United States space program. While they may be seen as similar in their celebration of lesser-known figures, they are not sequels. Each film offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of those who contributed to the space race and beyond. Whether you are interested in the story of African-American women paving the way for equality or the journey of a dedicated individual from initial inspiration to becoming an engineer at NASA, both films are highly recommended and immensely worth your time.

Acknowledgements and References

This article was written with detailed insights from the plot synopses and analysis provided by various reputable sources, including IMDb and the official film websites of Hidden Figures and October Sky.