Adam McKay Says ‘Don’t Look Up’ Was ‘Hated’ by ‘Critics and Cultural Gatekeepers’ but Seen by an Estimated ‘400 Million to Half a Billion’ People on Netflix

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In an interview with NME, director Adam McKay shared that his satirical comedy “Don’t Look Up,” which tackles themes like climate change, was watched by an estimated 400 million to over half a billion people on Netflix, despite receiving criticism from critics and cultural influencers. During the conversation, the topic of “Don’t Look Up” arose as McKay, along with his star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, had been vocal about the film serving as a metaphor for climate change during its 2021 release.

Despite the continuous disasters we’re experiencing, that film appeared insignificant and absurd to many. However, it was heartening and invigorating to witness the public’s enthusiasm towards it, rather than the negative reviews from critics and those controlling cultural trends. Remarkably, this movie reached the top spot in approximately 85 countries, including nations as varied as Pakistan, Vietnam, United States, and Uruguay. This is quite exceptional for a comedy, which typically struggles to transcend cultural boundaries due to its regional specificities.”

This version maintains the original meaning while using more natural and conversational language.

McKay went on to explain, “The number of people who watched that movie, Netflix doesn’t reveal precisely, but it’s approximately between 400 million and 500 million. What struck a chord with these viewers was the theme of gaslighting. People feeling misled by their leaders, their media, and various industries. It was ironic – when I discovered that shared experience was the key, I thought, of course! This is happening globally in our current neo-liberal economy, which affects us all. It’s like a malignancy, and everyone seems to be feeling its effects.

The movie “Don’t Look Up” features Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence as scientists traveling across the nation to alert people about an impending comet that threatens to wipe out humanity. Although many critics panned the film, it still managed to secure a nomination for Best Picture at the Oscars and became Netflix’s second most-viewed original production ever, with over 171 million viewers.

McKay faced criticism when his film premiered on Netflix, as he publicly stated on Twitter that some of its detractors were acting “absurdly” and suggested: “If you’re not at least a little worried about climate catastrophe (or the U.S.’s instability), I question if ‘Don’t Look Up’ resonates with you.” Critics alleged he was implying that those who didn’t appreciate his film were indifferent to the seriousness of climate change.

Back then, someone jumped into the conversation and said, ‘It seems you’re suggesting that if we dislike a film, we don’t care about the climate.’ That idea was just preposterous, absolutely laughable! I couldn’t help but chuckle because it felt like a scene straight out of one of my favorite movies. Suddenly, it seemed as though I was being accused of silencing critics, which is far from the truth. In fact, I appreciate and encourage debate, especially passionate discourse among critics.

Head over to NME’s website to read McKay’s latest interview in its entirety.

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2025-01-17 02:47