One of the more intriguing sci-fi novels of the past couple of years was Andy Weir’s The Martian. The story follows astronaut Mark Watney, who’s stranded on Mars after his NASA crew has to abort its mission due to a dangerous storm.
What set Weir’s novel apart and made it such an intriguing read was how much it was about the science. Watney, a botanist, has to use his knowledge and ingenuity to create food and water for himself in order to survive. But will that make a great movie? Ridley Scott and Matt Damon are certainly hoping so with their film adaptation. Check out the first trailer.
In watching this trailer, one thing that seems difficult to get over is how similar this seems to Interstellar. If you haven’t seen the movie, this is a spoiler, but Interstellar came out last November and was released on video in March, so you’ve had your chance and the rest of us get to discuss it. Damon has a surprise cameo in the film as an astronaut marooned on another world found by Matthew McConaughey’s team.
So here he is, playing another marooned astronaut presumably waiting to be rescued. Even if the two movies turn out to be different, that’s a curious progression of role choices for Damon. Or maybe it’s just one hell of a coincidence. Anyway, the Interstellar role was terrible, and the sooner it’s forgotten, the better for everyone. Hopefully, The Martian allows Damon a far more memorable performance.
https://youtu.be/CumZP6_9sHU
Prior to the trailer going live on Monday, 20th Century Fox released a three-minute promo for the film that introduces Watney and the other members of the Ares 3 crew before their mission launches. The trailer was mostly about Damon and Jeff Daniels’ NASA administrator, but this video features co-stars Jessica Chastain, Michael Pena, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan and Aksel Hennie. And there’s a funny Cubs joke in there.
The Martian is scheduled for a Nov. 25 release.
