Andy Weir is the New York Times bestselling science fiction author of The Martian, Artemis, Project Hail Mary, and Cheshire Crossing.

 

The Martian was a huge adaptation hit and Project Hail Mary is shaping up to be equally thrilling and successful. What was different about this experience compared to the adaptation process with The Martian?

It’s been a huge difference. On The Martian I was on the sidelines. They chose to involve me, which was nice, but for the most part I was just an excited observer. On PHM I’m a full producer, so I was involved in tangible decision-making. It was an awesome experience to be involved in the day-to-day work on the set.

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Ryan Gosling is the leading man on this film. What were your thoughts when you found out and what has it been like to watch him bring Ryland Grace to life?

He’s wonderful. He added so many layers and complexities to Grace that I wasn’t able to really articulate in the book. I consider character depth to be one of my weaknesses as a writer, so having a talent like Ryan come along and add that into the story was a godsend.

Your books are scientifically and emotionally deep and readers are very immersed in your worlds. Were there any elements from the book that you felt must be included in the film?

I can’t talk about the film in too much detail, but I can say all the important aspects of the story are in there.

You famously began publishing your work online before landing traditional success. Looking back, how do you think that unconventional path shaped your career?

I would never have had the bravery to strike out on my own into traditional publishing. So if it weren’t for the modern era’s availability of self-publishing without financial risk I would never have been where I am today.

What scene or elements are you most excited for readers to see on the screen?

First contact with Rocky, of course!

Do your books start with something that fascinates you scientifically or does story come first and then you seek out the supporting research?

The scientific fascination comes first, then a story coalesces around it.

What has surprised you most about your readership over the years?

My writing is highly technical. I’m still baffled at how it has ended up gathering such broad appeal. When I wrote The Martian I thought I was targeting a tiny potential audience of hardcore nerds. A teensy niche that I was a part of.

Your novels attract readers who don’t always consider themselves science fiction fans. Why do you think your stories resonate so widely?

Honestly, I think sci-fi has been taken over by bleak dystopian misery and dark political allegory nowadays. I write stories of hope where human nature is positive and uplifting. At least, that’s what I’m shooting for. And frankly, there just aren’t many authors doing that right now, so I ended up accidentally cornering a market.

What’s the strangest or most surreal moment you’ve experienced watching your work move through Hollywood?

Seeing people far more talented than I will ever be, far more successful in their fields than most people ever reach, and with incredible experience and success in their past projects, coming up to my dorky ass and asking what they should do for a given part of the story.

What’s a great book you read recently?

I just read a pre-release copy of Paradox, Inc. I don’t think it’s been released yet, but I quite enjoyed it and I recommend it.

What are a couple of books you always recommend?

Recursion by Blake Crouch (really anything by Crouch is good) and Small Gods by Terry Pratchett. Yeah it’s not all sci-fi for me, and Small Gods is the best entry point to the Discworld universe IMO.

What are you working on next?

I’m working on my next book now, but I’m not giving out any details.