Last we heard of the sci-fi film The Martian, director Drew Goddard (Cabin in the Woods) was set to write and direct the e-book adaptation, Goddard has now left the project in order to direct the Spider-Man tie-in The Sinister Six and The Hollywood Reporter is now claiming that Ridley Scott (The Counselor) is in talks to direct the film. Scott is also set to produce the film, with Matt Damon (Behind the Candelabra) in a starring role. Prometheus 2 is set for a March 2016 release, so there’s no telling when Scott will be available to start production on the film.
The plot is based on the e-book of the same name by Andy Weir. The story involves an astronaut stranded on Mars and his journey back to Earth. Naturally the concept sounds similar to Gravity, whilst allegedly being described as an amalgam of Cast Away and Apollo 13. Ridley Scott isn’t the most consistent director around, but we can’t forget his affinity with the sci-fi genre as shown with Alien and Blade Runner. This production should at least be worth a look.
Originally published May 14, 2014. Updated April 12, 2018.
