Inside MAYA Universe: A New Dimension in Storytelling
What sets Maya apart is that we have gone beyond just creating warnings and simulations – we have synthesized frameworks, created a new language for discourse, and unified seemingly contradictory ideas, say the creators Anand Gandhi and Zain Memon
In this exclusive conversation, we sit down with Anand Gandhi and Zain Memon, the acclaimed creators of the MAYA universe, to explore their groundbreaking sci-fi project. The duo discuss the universe's unique approach to world-building, its potential to influence real-world conversations about tech and freedom, and the core message of hope and possibility.
What’s the most exciting part about finally unveiling the MAYA universe to the world?
Zain Memon: We just launched the teaser of the MAYA universe, which is just the tip of the iceberg. Over the next few months, we will be releasing a 400-page lore book and a coffee table book with hundreds of images of the world’s architecture. We have got an amazing team of global collaborators who were inspired by our vision and agreed to come on board – we are super excited about how things are turning out!
Anand Gandhi: We are absolutely thrilled with the amazing responses to our MAYA universe! We have been getting incredible feedback from big names like Richard Potter, the founder of Dimension Films, who says this book is ‘an example of total world building at the highest level’ and ‘a trip to another realm to be experienced.’ Steve Aranguren, VP of Development at Tom Cruise’s studios, and ex-Disney executive, have also shared really sweet words, praising the nuanced cultural journey and the hero’s journey components. These reviews are just the beginning for us – Zain and I are super excited, and we are planning to explore this narrative universe for the next 20 years, so we have just begun!
How is Maya different from other sci-fi narratives about technology, AI power and digital manipulation?
Anand: We wanted Maya to not just mirror the anxieties of our world, but also provide hope and solutions. Science fiction is a tool to speculate about the future, build consensus, and eliminate nightmares. What sets Maya apart is that we have gone beyond just creating warnings and simulations – we have synthesized frameworks, created a new language for discourse, and unified seemingly contradictory ideas. We are trying to put the chunks back together, like our ancestors did, to prescribe how wonderful things can become and make those visions a reality. This is about using science fiction to eliminate suffering and ensure future generations can learn from us and build a better world.
Could you tell us what was the collaboration process like when creating Maya with Anand?
Zain: My collaboration with Anand on Maya has been an incredible, seamless process – like working with a twin! We have been working together for over 12 years, sharing the same philosophical frameworks and reading the same books. Our different core expression mediums – Anand’s film background and my own, complement each other perfectly, making the world of Maya richer. It’s been the best collaboration experience I could have ever imagined, and we are planning to keep working together on this project for the next 20 years or more!
How do you see the Maya universe influencing real-world conversations about tech and freedom?
Anand: The Maya universe serves as a sieve to help make sense of our complex world, allowing people to have better, more informed conversations about tech and freedom. We are tackling crucial questions like inequity, the impact of AI, the promise and challenges of automation, and how to redistribute wealth created by these advancements. By synthesizing insights from both eastern and western perspectives, and combining philosophy, science, art, and engineering, we have created what an early reviewer called an ‘ideological sandbox’. This sandbox is designed to explore these pressing issues and inspire solutions for a better future, where humanity can thrive amidst rapid technological changes.
What has been the most surprising insight you have gained from creating this immersive world?
Zain: When we started building the MAYA universe, we didn't self-censor – we shared every idea, thought, and worldview we wanted to. We treated each system like its own machine, designing it with complete fidelity and plugging it into a larger system, creating a ‘machine of machines’ where everything spoke to each other. We realized that sticking to first principles makes the world make sense, no matter how complex it gets. The story ultimately becomes about the reader themselves – we knew this theoretically, but seeing it in action was amazing!
Anand: For me, the biggest takeaway from Maya is that a better world is possible, human suffering can be alleviated, and truth is both attainable and useful. This is the core message we hope readers take away from our narrative universe.
Watch The Interview Here:
