Netflix’s latest apocalyptic sensation, ‘Leave the World Behind‘, has been making waves since its release, soaring to the number one spot on the streaming giant. Directed by Sam Esmail, the film is not only notable for its gripping storyline and star-studded cast featuring Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke, but also for the surprising names in its credits: Barack and Michelle Obama.
The Obamas’ Production Endeavor: More Than Just Names
Higher Ground Productions, launched in 2018 by the former president and first lady, has been making strides in the film industry with a multi-year deal with Netflix. Their portfolio boasts impactful projects like the Oscar-winning ‘American Factory’ and the recent Bayard Rustin biopic, ‘Rustin’. However, ‘Leave the World Behind’ stands out as their most high-profile feature film to date.
The Obama-Esmail Connection: A Serendipitous Collaboration
Sam Esmail, known for his work on ‘Mr. Robot’, revealed an interesting backstory to the Obamas’ involvement. Barack Obama, a fan of Alam’s novel and Esmail’s previous work, saw a perfect alignment in collaborating on ‘Leave the World Behind’. “Knowing he’s a fan of the book, a fan of my work, and a friend of Julia’s — it seemed like kismet that he and Michelle, and the team at Higher Ground, would come on as producers,” Esmail commented. This collaboration was key in bringing this ambitious project to fruition.
Behind the scenes of Netflix’s #Yaratılan / #Creature 🧟⚡️#erkankolçakköstendil pic.twitter.com/ldk8myEYua
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The Obama Touch in ‘Leave the World Behind’
‘Leave the World Behind’ stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of film production, where influential figures like the Obamas can lend their support and clout to enhance creative projects. Their role, although not directly involved in the day-to-day filmmaking, underscores the importance of strategic partnerships and the power of a strong production team in the competitive world of streaming content.
