{
  "id": 3089772,
  "title": "'Project Hail Mary' and 'The Martian' author Andy Weir is headed back to outer space, but not how you'd expect",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/project-hail-mary-and-the-martian-author-andy-weir-is-headed-back-to",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-24T19:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Space.com",
    "slug": "space-com",
    "url": "https://www.space.com/entertainment/project-hail-mary-and-the-martian-author-andy-weir-is-headed-back-to-outer-space-but-not-how-youd-expect"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Renowned science fiction author Andy Weir, famed for bestsellers like *The Martian*, *Artemis*, and *Project Hail Mary*, is venturing into a new creative territory with an upcoming audiobook. Titled *Exoplanet*, the project is set to release on November 5, 2026, and will be co-produced by Weir alongside comic book author Benjamin Percy, who also authored *Red Moon*.\n\n*Exoplanet* is a space opera that brings together a diverse ensemble of acclaimed actors, including Anthony Mackie, Ariana DeBose, and John Leguizamo. The story unfolds on a perilous exoplanet where a starship, the *Wild Blue Yonder*, has been torn apart by a quantum anomaly. Each crew member crashes-landed in separate eras, facing life-threatening situations while being hunted, isolated, and racing against time.\n\nThe narrative explores the struggle of Chief Engineer Jeff Shaw (Mackie), aided by a virtual assistant, against a hostile present; First Officer Becca Bang (DeBose) surviving a dangerous alien past; and Science Officer Logan Bowers (Leguizamo) in a machine-controlled future that defies logic. What sets *Exoplanet* apart is its exploration of time travel and communication across centuries, as the surviving crew members attempt to find a way to reach home.\n\nPercy's writing adds a unique twist, blurring the lines between reality and time, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats. Sound design by Skywalker Sound and an original soundtrack by Rob Cairns promise an immersive auditory experience. Audible's *Exoplanet* offers a blend of heart-pounding action and scientific intrigue, exploring humanity's fight for survival in the face of an alien intelligence threatening to consume all technology.",
  "summary": "Weir will executive produce \"Exoplanet,\" a new Audible sci-fi drama coming this fall.",
  "key_points": [
    "Andy Weir, author of The Martian, is creating an audiobook Exoplanet.",
    "Exoplanet is a space opera with Anthony Mackie, Ariana DeBose, and John Leguizamo.",
    "The story involves time travel and survival across centuries."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}