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Andy Weir's sci-fi novel 'The Martian' will reportedly be adapted as a movie

Weir's book is said to be starring 'Edge of Tomorrow' actor Matt Damon, with legendary sci-fi director Ridley Scott at the helm.

'The Martian' is by Andy Weir.
  • By Molly Driscoll Staff Writer

Andy Weir’s bestselling novel “The Martian” is reportedly coming to the big screen.

The book, which was released by Crown Publishing this past February to positive reviews and sales, centers on astronaut Mark Watney, who is left on Mars by other crew members because they think he is dead. Mark must use his limited supplies to try to survive. 

According to the website IndieWire, “The Monuments Men” actor Matt Damon will star as Mark in the movie and “Martian” will be directed by Ridley Scott, director of such seminal sci-fi films as “Alien” and “Blade Runner.”

“Martian” will be released on Nov. 25, 2015, according to the Hollywood Reporter. 

Weir self-published his book in 2012 before the rights were purchased by Crown Publishing and the novel was re-released this past February. Weir said he was inspired by another space-set movie where astronauts encounter crisis – the 1995 film “Apollo 13” – when writing “Martian,” according to an interview conducted by industry newsletter Shelf Awareness.

“It's like MacGyver in space, with billions of dollars of equipment being misappropriated to barely stay alive, and everybody working together,” he said of “Apollo.” “And I just love that.” 

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