Matt Damon appears as his astronaut character Mark Watney and introduces his fellow Ares 3 crew members in a new online video promoting the film The Martian.

Also seen in the 3 1/2-minute-long clip are Damon's co-stars Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara and Michael Pena.

The video has gotten nearly half a million views since it premiered on YouTube Sunday. It follows the characters as they are about to leave Earth for a yearlong expedition to Mars.

Directed by Ridley Scott and based on Andy Weir's novel, the movie is set for theatrical release Nov. 25.