Steve Carell Says Mountainhead Is ‘Succession-ish': ‘It's Darker And Chilling'
Last Updated:
Steve Carell reacts to the internet comparing Mountainhead to popular TV series, Succession, and expresses worry over living in a high-tech world where AI rules the roost.
Following Succession, which ended two years ago, creator Jesse Armstrong returns with Mountainhead, set to premiere on HBO on May 31. While Jesse once said he wasn't sure if he wanted to make a follow-up to his iconic series, his upcoming outing is drawing attention for its Succession-style exploration of male ambition, power, wealth, and greed. Mountainhead is set in a world dominated by AI, tech bros, and Meta-style giants, who also hold the power to trigger eco-political instability.
Speaking exclusively to News18, Steve Carell, who plays one of the protagonists in Mountainhead, responds to comparisons between the show and Succession. He says the Hiam Abbass, Nicholas Braun, and Brian Cox-starring series was 'dark," but that Mountainhead is 'darker" and 'crazier." 'I think it's Succession-ish in the sense that it's created by Jesse Armstrong. But it's different. It's different in terms of its tone," The Office star tells us.
Steve actually prefers to compare Mountainhead to Stanley Kubrick's 1964 Cold War satire Dr. Strangelove, which also tackled themes of power and ambition. 'I loved Succession and that's the reason I signed on to this. I was and am a huge fan of Jesse's. But tonally, they're a little bit different. To me, Mountainhead feels like a modern-day Doctor Strangelove, and that's one of my favourite films of all time. The darkness and the tether Mountainhead has to reality in this moment is chilling," he states.
The trailer touches upon the far-reaching consequences of AI and deepfakes, evoking growing AI-related anxieties. One scene portrays a violence-engulfed Asia following a deepfake outbreak that further distorts the perception of reality. 'To a degree, it's terrifying. The fact that this technology not only exists but is further along than most of us understand and that the timeline between where we are and what's depicted in the film might not be that far is terrifying," says a concerned Steve.
Mountainhead is already receiving rave reviews for its satirical depiction of a tech-ruled, high-stakes world. Elaborating on the film's core themes, Steve remarks, 'That's why there's a bone-chilling essence to it. This is potentially a real issue we'll face as a society going forward. I loved the way Jesse crafted this film. It's incredibly frightening, but there's also some kind of a palette cleanse with very, very funny moments. I think he has it both ways."
First Published:
May 31, 2025, 04:37 IST
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Gauahar Khan breaks down as she recalls suffering miscarriage, calls out Suniel Shetty's ‘comfort of C-section' comment
Actor Gauahar Khan rose to fame after winning Bigg Boss 7, earning praise for her bold attitude and strong personality. She has now launched her own YouTube podcast, MaaaNoranjan, where she discusses topics like motherhood, pregnancy, and more. In the first episode, Gauahar opened up about suffering a miscarriage before the birth of her son Zehaan and also criticised Suniel Shetty's recent remarks about the 'comfort of C-section'. (Also Read: After facing backlash, Suniel Shetty says his comment on Athiya choosing natural delivery was 'blown out of proportion') Gauahar shared that she had undergone a C-section for her first delivery. Fighting back tears, she revealed she had a miscarriage before Zehaan's birth. 'There's one thing I never told everyone. I did have a miscarriage before Zehaan. What should I tell you about that feeling? It's impossible to describe it. It was a pregnancy, I lost the baby after almost 9 weeks. That loss was extremely difficult. And I'll be able to talk about it more in upcoming episodes,' she said. The actor was visibly emotional and upset as she addressed Suniel's comment in which he praised his daughter Athiya for not opting for a C-section. Gauahar said, 'A what? I want to like scream at the top of my voice and say, How could you say that? Like how? There are so many myths around this topic — that if someone is having a C-section, it's the easier option. How can there be so much misinformation? and for a male celebrity to say that, who didn't go through pregnancy, didn't carry a child, doesn't know how painful C-section is.' In an interview with News18, Suniel said, 'In a world where everybody wants the comfort of having a caesarean baby, she chose not to do that and had a natural delivery. I remember how every nurse and paediatrician in the hospital said that it's unbelievable how she went through the whole process. That hit me as a father. I was like, 'Wow, she's ready!' Athiya was very, very strong to do that.' His comments drew criticism online, prompting the actor to later clarify that his words were blown out of proportion. Gauahar welcomed her first child, Zehaan, with husband Zaid Darbar in 2023. The couple is now expecting their second child and recently announced the news via a video on social media, captioned: 'Bismillah!! Need your prayers and love. Make the world dance by spreading love. #GazaBaby2.'
Pink Villa
4 hours ago
- Pink Villa
Take a tour inside Nawazuddin Siddiqui's glamorous Bungalow in Mumbai
Nawazuddin Siddiqui is one of Bollywood's most critically acclaimed actors and a household name. The versatile actor has successfully touched the hearts of both the public and critics with the poignant and compelling characters he portrays. The sky's the limit for his progressing career. However, it was not always the case. The Manto actor had a rather humble upbringing. His residence in Mumbai stands as a stark reminder that success comes to those who remain persistent. Nawaz is humble and true to his craft, a quality that is brightly reflected in every conversation he holds. Let's take a look at his house and how Nawaz has embraced minimalism in decorating his abode. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Dream Nest Is a Fusion Between Modern And Vintage Architecture Staying true to its name, the house gives glimpses of the Nawabi architecture with its sun-kissed patio, hardwood stairs, white marble exterior, and opulent motif. Nawaz wanted a space with a cozy and homely vibe where he could take a step back and relax. The entrance features a wooden French door. The hall is adorned with a wooden billiard table and posters of famous plays by Moliere and Shakespeare at every corner. The inspiration behind this is the corridor of the National School of Drama. There is also a tiny bar in one corner with a sitting area for guests. Nawaz mentions that he loves to experiment with different aesthetics and colors. The cosmopolitan ambiance of the house aligns with the actor's deep understanding of interior planning. One of the main attractions of his home is the hall upstairs, where he relaxes and watches films. He decided to install big windows so he wouldn't feel suffocated. The room leads you to a small balcony, which is surrounded by Jali carving white marble railings. Lush greenery graces the area and fills it with serenity. He then escorts us to his makeup room, whose big attraction is a gigantic Hollywood-style wooden vanity mirror. Next, Nawaz invites the viewers to his terrace, which serves as an escape from the noise of the city. He spends most of his evenings there, chatting with his peers. According to the actor, his bedroom is the smallest room in the house. He jokingly mentions that he wants to stay true to his roots. With minimal furnishing, the room is stylishly decorated with a poster and a few planters. The next visit is to another hall, which Nawaz calls the busiest corner of the house. He has decorated the walls with posters of some of the most notable plays and playwrights. Nawaz lovingly christened his residence 'Nawab' as a homage to his father, who had a significant impact on his life. Not just a structure of bricks and stones, Nawaz wanted a memoir of his childhood home in Uttar Pradesh. He wanted a space where time stood still. That is why he curated the house in a way that takes him on a stroll down memory lane. Nawab, nestled in Mumbai's Versova, is where luxury meets sophistication. He has embellished every corner of the house with ornaments that hold deep value to him.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
This hidden Jazz club in NYC just got a shoutout from Anand Mahindra and it's gone viral– here's why
When a well-known business leader shines a light on a lesser-known cultural spot abroad, it naturally grabs attention. That's what happened when Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, shared a glimpse of a hidden jazz venue in New York, far from the usual tourist spots. In a short but engaging post on social media, Mahindra took his followers to a small jazz space in Brooklyn– a place that stood out not just for its music but for the unique experience it offered. A Jazz experience that feels personal Hidden inside a historic brownstone in Brooklyn, this intimate spot– called Brownstone Jazz– is nothing like your typical concert venue. It's cozy, informal, and open to just 28 people at a time. The idea is to create a close, personal connection between the audience and the music. — anandmahindra (@anandmahindra) Anand Mahindra compared it to an Indian-style mehfil, where the gap between performers and listeners fades away. At Brownstone Jazz, the music isn't just played– it's shared. Musicians often pause to talk about jazz legends and their own stories, making the whole experience feel warm, personal, and deeply engaging. Grammy-winning talent in a Brownstone living room Despite its modest and homey setting, the quality of music at Brownstone Jazz is top-notch. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Swindon: If You Were Born Between 1940-1975 You Could Be Eligible For This Life Cover Reassured Get Quote Undo Seasoned jazz musicians– including Grammy winners– regularly perform here, offering a rare kind of experience even in a city like New York: world-class talent in a living-room-style space. According to a report by the Economic Times, tickets are priced at around $55 (approximately ₹4,700) - a detail that caught many people's attention after Anand Mahindra's post. While not exactly cheap, it's still more affordable than most high-profile jazz events featuring artists of this calibre. Reactions online: Curiosity, admiration, and debate Anand Mahindra's post quickly gained attention on social media, sparking both curiosity and conversation. Many people appreciated the venue's effort to keep classic jazz alive in such a small, personal setting. Some even said they'd never heard of a place like this in New York and were now eager to visit. At the same time, a few people questioned how accessible this kind of experience truly is, especially for Indian audiences who may not have the means to travel or spend on niche cultural events abroad. One user wrote, '99.9% of Indians can't afford this, so why post such a useless tweet?'
