The Martian did not literally make Project Hail Mary happen: the available reporting does not establish that causal link. But the 2015 film is a compelling predecessor. Both adapt Andy Weir novels into science-driven survival stories, and both adaptations were written by Drew Goddard. That makes The Martian a useful point of comparison—not a proven blueprint or the sole reason the newer film was made.
What connects the two films?
Andy Weir’s science-first survival stories
The Martian, which opened on October 2, 2015, adapts Weir’s 2011 novel. Project Hail Mary adapts another of his novels. Both put a central character in a life-threatening situation where scientific problem-solving drives the story. In The Martian, Mark Watney is stranded on Mars; Project Hail Mary follows an interstellar mission.
The shared approach makes the films natural companions, but it does not mean their science, settings, or plots are interchangeable. One is a fight to stay alive on Mars; the other takes its stakes into deep space, with a mission to address a threat to Earth.
A concrete link behind the camera
Screenwriter Drew Goddard wrote both adaptations, according to the Associated Press. That is a direct production connection between the films. It still does not demonstrate that the earlier film caused the later one to be commissioned or financed.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How does Project Hail Mary compare with The Martian?
| What to compare | The Martian | Project Hail Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Setting and stakes | Mark Watney is stranded on Mars and must survive. | An interstellar mission confronts a threat to Earth. |
| Story engine | Science-based problem-solving is central to Watney’s survival. | Science-based problem-solving is central to the mission. |
| Adaptation connection | Based on an Andy Weir novel; adapted by Drew Goddard. | Based on another Andy Weir novel; adapted by Drew Goddard. |
| Scale of isolation | A stranded astronaut’s predicament on Mars. | A deep-space mission, with relationships also part of the story. |
The comparison is strongest in the films’ science-forward premises and adaptation lineage. The ComicBook.com article describes both as humane and optimistic; that is its critical interpretation, not an established consensus ranking. Whether one works better for a viewer depends on which setting and kind of survival story they prefer.
Does The Martian deserve credit for Project Hail Mary?
It is fair to call The Martian a notable predecessor: it brought a Weir survival story to theaters, and the newer adaptation shares both the author and screenwriter. It is not supported to say the later film “owes everything” to it as a matter of documented production history. The available reporting does not show that The Martian’s success directly led to Project Hail Mary.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The October 2, 2026 ComicBook.com article reports The Martian box office at $630.6 million. Amazon’s July 3, 2026 update says Project Hail Mary had earned more than $680 million globally. Those are figures reported by different publishers, not a controlled comparison, and they do not establish a causal relationship between the films.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you watch or read them?
The Martian
20th Century Studios lists The Martian as available on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital. Availability and digital listings can vary by country and service. Readers interested in the source material can also look for Weir’s The Martian novel.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Project Hail Mary
Amazon reported the film streaming on Prime Video worldwide in its July 3, 2026 update. Streaming catalogs change, so check the listing in your territory. Weir’s Project Hail Mary novel is a companion option for readers who want to explore the story beyond the film; Penguin Random House lists a movie-tie-in edition.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Sources
- ComicBook.com: The article comparing the films
- 20th Century Studios: The Martian
- Associated Press: Phil Lord and Chris Miller on Project Hail Mary
- Amazon: Project Hail Mary on Prime Video
- Penguin Random House: Andy Weir
- Penguin Random House: Project Hail Mary movie-tie-in edition
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
