Stressed about a “planet killer” asteroid crashing into Earth? “Don’t Look Up” suggests phone sex.
Viewers of Adam McKay’s new dark comedy on Netflix discovered an X-rated Easter egg when Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, astronomer Randall Mindy, delivers a public service announcement after he discovers an apocalyptic asteroid.
In the PSA, the middling scientist stammers through the difficult message, urging Americans to call a phone number — 1-800-532-4500 — if they seek “peace of mind” after learning there’s a comet on course to destroy all life on Earth.
The number, fans discovered, goes straight to a sex hotline.
Fans took to social media over the weekend to compare notes.
“Am I the only one that called the FEMA/Bash hotline and got a phone sex operator?” wrote one viewer on Dec. 30.
“Called the 800 number they used in Don’t Look Up. It’s a phone sex chat service. LMAO, good prank,” said another on Jan. 2.
The Post confirmed that the toll-free phone number leads to an automated answering service that states: “Welcome to America’s hottest hotline. Guys, hot ladies are waiting to talk to you. Press 1 now. Ladies, to talk to interesting and exciting guys, press 2 to connect free now.”
The PSA in the film features DiCaprio’s Mindy acting as a figurehead for the White House and their partners at the made-up telecommunications giant BASH Cellular.
“Right now, millions of you are having these same doubts and questions about the approaching comet,” he begins. “That is why BASH Cellular, in conjunction with the United States government, is creating a new hotline, free of charge, to answer all of your questions. And who knows: Maybe, just maybe, one of our scientists … can be that friend we all need to lean on during uncertain times.”
An unseen voiceover continues: “Call 1-800-532-4500 for peace of mind. Offer only available to BASH customers. Details of your call may be shared with other subsidiaries to enhance your future customer experience. Data and roaming charges apply.”
“Don’t Look Up” features an ensemble cast alongside DiCaprio, including Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, Timothée Chalamet, Cate Blanchett, Mark Rylance, Jonah Hill, Ariana Grande, Kid Cudi and Tyler Perry. It’s said to be an allegory for climate change.
The Post has reached out to McKay’s reps to inquire whether the director believes that phone sex could remedy the woes of climate peril, too.
