HBO has released the official trailer for Mountainhead, a satirical comedy-drama marking the feature directorial debut of Jesse Armstrong, the creator of Succession. While not a spinoff, the movie strongly evokes the sharp, darkly comedic tone fans of Succession will recognize.
Steve Carell stars as Randall, a confident and influential figure who reunites with old friends—played by Jason Schwartzman (The Darjeeling Limited), Cory Michael Smith (Saturday Night), and Ramy Youssef (Ramy)—for what starts as a casual weekend retreat but quickly descends into unexpected and bizarre territory. Against a backdrop of escalating international tensions and shaky global financial systems, the group contemplates intervening in world affairs. “We literally have the resources to take over the world,” Randall boldly declares in the trailer.
Armstrong once again collaborates with his Succession team, including executive producers Frank Rich, Lucy Prebble, Tony Roche, Will Tracy, and director Mark Mylod. The production was notably swift, with filming commencing in Park City, Utah, in March and wrapping just months later.
The trailer hints at Mountainhead’s biting wit and political edge. Jason Schwartzman’s character Hugo nonchalantly offers to “handle Argentina and Paraguay,” while Cory Michael Smith’s Venis discusses algorithms amid global unrest. Ramy Youssef’s Jeff stands apart as the skeptical voice, dryly observing, “This does not look like someone who should have the keys to America,” as one friend struggles humorously with a tree.
Mountainhead is set to premiere on HBO and HBO Max on May 31 in the United States, with an Australian release following on June 1.
