For now, this might be the closest you come to being on Mars. 20th Century Fox and its internal Fox Innovation Lab have created a virtual reality experience centred around Ridley Scott's The Martian, Digital Spy reports.

Using special headsets from Oculus and other devices, the VR experience will put viewers in the space suit of marooned astronaut Mark Watney, played by Matt Damon in the film. It is set to be released early next year.

The experience lasts between 15 and 25 minutes, depending on how long viewers spend looking for details hidden in the experience (via The New York Times).

Maleficent director Robert Stromberg developed the separate programme for the film while Scott was directing The Martian. It will be the commercial debut of Fox's virtual reality programme.

Other Fox films on the list for a VR experience include Alien, Life of Pi, Gone Girl and Black Swan.

Stromberg operates the Virtual Reality Company with his partner Guy Primus and others.