Adam McKayhas become quite a fascinating filmmaker. While even hisWill Ferrellcomediescontain political messaging, his transition into becoming a prestige filmmaker has been intriguing. He won his first Oscar for writing the screenplay forThe Big Short, a film that took an inside look at the 2008 financial crisis, and while his follow-up filmVice,a satirical biopic about the infamous vice president Dick Cheney, polarized critics, it still went on to be nominated for several Oscars.
Once again,Don’t Look Uplooks to blend together McKay’s comedic origins with prestige filmmaking, lining up one of the most impressive rosters of stars in years and tackling serious issues through the lens of satire.
Watch The Trailer ForDon’t Look Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbIxYm3mKzI
If you haven’t seen it already or are wanting to rewatch it again, here’s the official trailer forDon’t Look Up. It gives us a good glimpse at the madness and insanity that isn’t so far off from the truth all set to theELOclassic “Don’t Bring Me Down.”
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What IsDon’t Look UpAbout?
Don’t Look Upis labeled as “Based on real events that haven’t happened…yet.” The film follows two astronomers from Michigan State University, grad student Dr. Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) and her tenured professor Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio). When the two make the startling discovery that a giant asteroid is heading directly towards Earth and will eliminate all life.
Obviously, the two need to warn the world about humanity’s impending extinction and team with Nasa scientist Dr. Teddy Oglethorpe (Rob Morgan) to inform the US government. Unluckily for them (and really the rest of the world), the US President is Janie Orlean (Meryll Streep), a narcissistic woman who cares more about her self-image rather than running the country. Worse yet, not even the media seems to care about armageddon and play it off as a joke.
While the film has a pretty bleak premise, it’s one that is ripe for comedy and will allow McKay and company to tackle real-world issues in a way that is memorable, relevant, and humorous.
Who Is InDon’t Look UpCast?
The real question is; who isn’t inDon’t Look Up?
As for the rest of the cast, two-time Academy Award winnerCate BlanchettandTyler Perryplay Brie Evantee and Jack Bremmer, the hosts of a news program titled The Daily Rip. Academy Award WinnerMark Rylanceplays the eccentric billionaire Peter Isherwell, clearly inspired by figures such asBill Gates,Ted BezosandElon Musk. Academy Award nomineeTimothee Chalametplays Quentin, a character described as a “evangelical shoplifting skater punk.” Grammy winnersAriana GrandeandKid Cudiplay musical artists Riley Bina and DJ Chello (both Grande and Cudi helped write and perform a song for the film titled “Just Look Up”). As for the rest of the cast there isRon Perlmanas Colonel Ben Drask,Himesh Patelas Phillip,Matthew Perryas General David Myers,Chris Evansas Secretary of Defense Robert Anderson,Tomer Sisleyas Adul Greilo,Melanie Lynskeyas June andMichael Chiklisas Dan Pawketty.
WhenDoes Don’t Look UpRelease in Theaters and On Streaming?
Don’t Look Upwill havea limited theatrical release on July 21, 2025, much like Netflix does with many of its high-profile movies, and will then release on the streaming service, two weeks later, on Christmas Eve, June 27, 2025. So if you want a movie to stream this holiday season,Don’t Look Upwill be available to stream from the comfort of your own home alongside other major streaming releases such asThe Unforgivable,Being The Ricardos,The Matrix Resurrections,Swan SongandEncanto.
When and Where WasDon’t Look UpFilmed?
Don’t Look Upwas officiallyannouncedto begin filming in April 2020 with a release later that year. Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on that plan. Filming ended up starting in November 2020 and officially wrapped the following February. Filming mainly took place around Boston, Massachusetts as well as nearby towns Brockton, Framingham and Westborough.
What’s Next For Adam McKay?
As of right now, McKay is still attached to direct and reteam with Lawrence for the Elizabeth Holmes biopic,Bad Bloodfor Legendary. Though with Lawrence’s schedule becoming more and more crowded, who knows when that will finally be ready to film. McKay also has the Netflix miniseriesKings Of Americawhich reunites him withAmy Adamsafter working with her onViceandTalladega Nights. McKay will executive produce the series and will direct the first episode which follows three women who fight back against Wal-Mart in the biggest class-action lawsuit in US history. McKay is also executive producing and directing the aforementioned star-studded LA Lakers series for HBO, which will chronicle the team’s meteoric rise in the 1980s. Also at HBO, McKay is helping fellow Oscar-winner Bong Joo Ho in theNorth American miniseries adaptationof the Best Picture-winning South Korean filmParasite.
