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Adam McKay Reflects on 'Don't Look Up's' Enduring Impact and Climate Crisis Resonance

The Netflix satire, watched by an estimated 400 million to 500 million people, remains a cultural touchpoint for its critique of leadership, media, and climate inaction.

  • Adam McKay estimates that between 400 million and 500 million people have watched 'Don't Look Up,' making it Netflix's second most-watched film of all time.
  • The film's satirical take on climate change and societal inaction resonated with global audiences, despite mixed critical reception at its release in 2021.
  • 'Don't Look Up' became number one in 85 countries, including the US, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Uruguay, a rare feat for a comedy with regional references.
  • McKay highlights the ongoing relevance of the film's themes, linking its message to recent catastrophic events like the Los Angeles wildfires, which have claimed lives and destroyed thousands of homes.
  • The director criticizes the corporate and neoliberal economic systems for exacerbating climate issues and advocates for urgent action to address the crisis.
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