What if the secret to success wasn’t talent, hard work, or even luck—but a cat? This is the whimsical premise behind Andy Weir’s abandoned book idea, Felicitous Feline, a story about a man whose apparent good fortune is actually tied to his lucky cat. While Weir has shelved this concept, it’s a fascinating detour from his hard sci-fi roots, and it raises intriguing questions about creativity, genre boundaries, and the allure of the unexpected.
The Allure of the Unwritten
Andy Weir, the mastermind behind The Martian and Project Hail Mary, is no stranger to blending humor with high-stakes science. His ability to make complex physics relatable and entertaining has cemented his place as a sci-fi titan. But Felicitous Feline? It’s a left turn—a quirky, almost absurd idea that feels more like a Pixar pitch than a Weir novel. Personally, I think this is what makes it so intriguing. What if Weir, the guy who made botany on Mars thrilling, could pull off a comedy-fantasy about a lucky cat?
What many people don’t realize is that Weir’s humor isn’t just a side dish in his stories; it’s a core ingredient. Ryland Grace’s dry wit in Project Hail Mary isn’t just a character quirk—it’s a survival mechanism, a way to humanize the vast, cold void of space. If you take a step back and think about it, Felicitous Feline could be Weir’s chance to explore humor as the main course, not just a garnish.
Why Abandon a Lucky Idea?
Weir has described his creative process as a constant churn of ideas, most of which he dismisses as “stupid.” Felicitous Feline fell into this category, but I can’t help but wonder: is it really that bad? In my opinion, the idea isn’t the problem—it’s the execution. A lucky cat could be a metaphor for fate, chance, or even the absurdity of life. What this really suggests is that Weir might be underestimating his ability to transform a silly premise into something profound.
One thing that immediately stands out is the twist: the cat is the source of luck, not the man. It’s a classic Weir move—a reveal that flips the narrative on its head. But here’s the thing: twists are easy; making them meaningful is hard. If Weir had pursued this idea, he could have turned it into a commentary on luck, destiny, and the relationships we form with our pets. After all, who hasn’t felt like their pet is their good luck charm?
The Case for Weir’s Genre Pivot
Weir’s success in sci-fi is undeniable, but Felicitous Feline hints at a broader creative restlessness. From my perspective, artists often feel the pull to explore new territories, even if it means leaving their comfort zones. Weir’s foray into comedy or fantasy could be a refreshing change—not just for him, but for his audience.
A detail that I find especially interesting is Weir’s own relationship with cats. During a Reddit Q&A, he used a photo of himself with his cat as proof of identity. This isn’t just a random detail; it’s a glimpse into his personal life and interests. Could this be a hint that he’s more open to non-sci-fi ideas than he lets on?
The Broader Implications
If Weir were to pivot away from sci-fi, it would be a bold move in an industry that loves to typecast creators. But here’s the thing: some of the most groundbreaking work comes from artists who defy expectations. Look at Neil Gaiman, who seamlessly transitions from fantasy to horror to contemporary fiction. Weir has the talent and the fan base to pull off something similar.
This raises a deeper question: do we limit creators by pigeonholing them into specific genres? Weir’s sci-fi is brilliant, but Felicitous Feline suggests he has more to offer. Personally, I’d love to see him take that leap. Even if the cat story never sees the light of day, the idea itself is a reminder that creativity thrives on experimentation.
Final Thoughts
Andy Weir’s Felicitous Feline may never become a book, but its existence as an abandoned idea is a testament to the boundless nature of creativity. It’s a reminder that even the most successful creators have drawers full of “stupid” ideas—and sometimes, those ideas are the most interesting.
In my opinion, Weir should reconsider. Not because Felicitous Feline is a guaranteed hit, but because it represents something bigger: the courage to try something new. After all, isn’t that what storytelling is all about? Taking risks, exploring the unknown, and maybe, just maybe, finding a little luck along the way—even if it comes from a cat.
