Dr. Mark Watney - The Martian
Matt Damon plays fictional astrobotanist Mark Watney in Ridley Scott's 2015 science fiction film. The film follows astronaut Mark Watney's struggle to survive after becoming stranded on Mars.
- Description: Fictional Astrobotanist from The Martian
- Appearances: The Martian (novel), The Martian (film)
- Created by: Andy Weir
- Education: University of Chicago (undergraduate), Northwestern (Ph.D. in Plant Biology and Conservation)
- Analysis: The Martian is perhaps the most recognizable portrayal of astrobotany in popular culture. As astrobotanists, we get comparisons to the film frequently. Although Mark Watney’s immediate success in growing potatoes in the harsh Mars regolith is unrealistic, The Martian offers a measured depiction of modern space missions.