Jesse Armstrong’s ‘Mountainhead’: A Bold Leap After the Success of ‘Succession’

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How does one follow up on a series that defined a decade of prestige television?

For “Succession” creator Jesse Armstrong, the approach was speeding things up so much that there was barely any room for second-guessing.

Attending the global debut of “Mountainhead” at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC last Thursday, I shared insights as to why I chose not to delay my follow-up to “Succession.” After all, it was about seizing the moment and continuing the narrative.

Armstrong mentioned that following something like “Succession,” which is highly respected, felt a bit daunting. He knew taking on the next project would be significant. Instead of dwelling on it for five years as he did with his second album, perhaps it’s better to approach it head-on swiftly.

Working under Armstrong’s tight production schedule is not for the timid. Approximately six months ago, he proposed the story concept for “Mountainhead” to HBO executive Casey Bloys, who approved it in December 2024. In the winter, Armstrong wrote the script, completed casting within three weeks, and finished principal photography by April. The streaming premiere is scheduled for May 31.

Armstrong stated that there was a compelling urgency to produce the movie swiftly. He explained, “The world, particularly the technology sector, is rapidly evolving. I aimed for its release to coincide with the same timely context as it was conceived.

In the movie “Mountainhead,” events mirroring current Big Tech controversies unfold. The story revolves around four affluent friends who are confined in a Utah mansion, where a highly realistic deepfake they’ve created leads to a worldwide political turmoil. The talented cast features Steve Carrell, Jason Schwartzman, Ramy Youssef, and Cory Michael Smith.

Schwartzman shared, “It was fascinating to step into their shoes briefly.” He hopes that his story resonates authentically with those who inhabit such a world, striving for accuracy within its scope. If successful, the tale could serve as a reflective surface itself.

Smith expressed his hope that the film might spark some thought-provoking discussions on the potential consequences when billionaires gain increased influence and control.

Smith pointed out that in today’s world, those with wealth hold some degree of oligarchical power, and at the same time, we are developing AI that significantly affects everyone. Those responsible for its creation have openly admitted that they don’t fully understand its potential limits, which is concerning.”

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“Smith noted that during this period, those with wealth possess a hint of oligarchical power, and simultaneously we are constructing AI that influences us all. Those behind its creation have openly declared that they are unsure about the full extent of its abilities, which is troubling.

A significant portion of the movie revolves around the dynamic interactions among these four wealthy, distinctly peculiar individuals. Youssef initially looked into real videos of tech tycoons for inspiration but found them somewhat dull, so instead, he drew from his own teenage experiences to create his character.

Youssef shared that at around 14, he began reflecting on himself as he struggled with knowing when jokes should stop and feeling out of control due to insecurity. He thought, “Ah, this is a good trait for Jeff.” So, he created a character: a billionaire who’s essentially a clueless 14-year-old. This character is tech-savvy but lacks the ability to truly mature or develop significantly.

Regarding AI advancements, Armstrong is concerned about the possibility of deepfake catastrophe videos inciting real-life violence. He sees numerous ways that the progression of AI could lead to harm. Instead of providing definitive solutions, he intentionally left the consequences of these tech leaders’ actions ambiguous.

Armstrong stated, ‘We’re truly uncertain, and that’s a key aspect of the movie. It explores the terrifying yet amusing uncertainty of being in that moment.’

See more photos from the “Mountainhead” premiere below.

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2025-05-24 03:23