Andy Weir Interview: Influences, Science, Pets, and His Favourite TV Show
© Aubrie Pick
From stranded astronauts to meticulous problem-solving in space, Andy Weir has become one of the most recognisable voices in modern science fiction. Best known for The Martian, Weir’s work blends hard science with humour, curiosity, and a deep love of asking “what if?”
In this interview, Andy talks about the book that shaped his writing, the science facts that never quite make it onto the page, his comfort watch while stuck in orbit, and the one question interviewers never ask him – but absolutely should.
What book (by another author) has stayed with you the longest, and why do you think it stuck?
“I, Robot” by Asimov. I think because it came up with a simple concept – the Three Laws of Robotics – and explored it from lots of different angles. It really affected my style of writing, because I like to come up with a small science thing and see how it affects everything.
If you could only rewatch one movie or TV series for the rest of your life while stuck on a space station, what would it be?
Doctor Who.
What’s the most interesting fact you learned while researching that never made it into a book?
Olympus Mons on Mars is the tallest mountain in our solar system. However, while it is very high, it is also very wide. The base of the mountain is about the size of Texas. So, while it does have a tremendous altitude, the slope is so subtle you wouldn’t know you were on a mountain if you stood at the peak. The curvature of the planet has a larger effect on altitude over distance than the slope of the mountain. You would think you’re standing on a flat plane.
What music are you into? Any particular artists or bands?
Lots of different kinds, from classical to classic rock to electronica. My favorite band is The Beatles.
Where do your story ideas usually come from? Can you give an example of where a certain work came from?
Usually I come up with an interesting science idea and expand out from there.
Do you ever read your own work years later and think, ‘I’d solve that differently now’?
Yes, sometimes. But I rarely read my own books. It was a lot of work to write them so it’s not really fun for me to revisit them.
What question do interviewers never ask you, but you secretly wish they would?
Why can Aquaman control whales? (A question posed in The Martian). The answer: Aquaman is a powerful telepath. He can control all the creatures of the sea because that’s what he’s accustomed to. But he can actually control land creatures with practice and can even control weak minded humans.
What’s your favourite meal?
Pepperoni Pizza.
Do you have any pets?
I have two dogs and a cat.
What stands out most about Andy Weir isn’t just his grasp of science, but the joy he clearly takes in exploring ideas – whether that’s the logic of Asimov’s robots, the impossibly subtle slopes of Mars, or the unexplored limits of Aquaman’s telepathy.
It’s a reminder that great science fiction doesn’t always start with massive concepts, but with small, elegant questions – and the willingness to follow them wherever they lead.
Andy Weir Books
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