‘The Martian’ TV Spot: Surprise, Matt Damon Is Still Alive!

Honestly, 20th Century Fox hardly needs to hype up the release of Ridley Scott’s The Martian any more than they already have — we’re sold. But today brings a new TV spot for the upcoming sci-fi film, which makes excellent use of Jimi Hendrix’s “All Along the Watchtower” while showing off a little bit of new footage.

Matt Damon stars as astronaut Mark Watney, who is presumed dead by his colleagues after a mission to Mars, leaving Watney stranded without hope for survival — unless he can figure out how to “science the s—” out of the desolate landscape and grow some plant life. Obviously, he succeeds, and obviously, his NASA pals are coming back for him. The highlight of the spot, aside from the bits of new footage, is the moment when his colleagues realize Watney is still alive, eliciting a hilarious shout of “Surprise!” from Damon.

During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring “the Martian” home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney’s safe return.

The Martian also stars Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Kate Mara, Michael Pena and Donald Glover, and hits theaters on October 2.