Adam McKay

Adam McKay

Birth : 1968-04-17, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

History

Adam McKay (born April 17, 1968) is an American film and television director, producer, screenwriter, and comedian. McKay began his career in the 1990s as a head writer for the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live for two seasons and is the co-founder of the Upright Citizens Brigade. He rose to fame in the 2000s for his collaborations with comedian Will Ferrell and co-wrote his comedy films Anchorman, Talladega Nights, and The Other Guys. Ferrell and McKay later co-wrote and co-produced numerous television series and films, and produced their comedy website Funny or Die through their company Gary Sanchez Productions. Venturing into more dramatic territory in the 2010s, McKay's The Big Short was the first film he directed without Ferrell in the cast. For this film, he was nominated for several awards including two Academy Awards, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay (with co-writer Charles Randolph), and two British Academy Film Awards, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. He and Randolph won Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards, the BAFTA Film Awards, and the WGA Awards. For his work on the Dick Cheney biographical film Vice, McKay received Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. In 2019, McKay founded Hyperobject Industries.

Profile

Adam McKay

Movies

Daniel
Producer
The remarkable first-person story of filmmaker Daniel Northcott, who documented his travels around the world, including a visit to a mysterious Mayan cave that may have precipitated his death.
The Menu
Producer
A young couple travels to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises.
God Forbid: The Sex Scandal That Brought Down a Dynasty
Executive Producer
A Miami pool boy finds himself trapped in a seven-year affair with a charming older woman and her husband, the Evangelical Trump stalwart Jerry Falwell Jr, as he becomes increasingly entangled with the Falwell’s seemingly perfect lives.
Brad Pitt: More Than a Pretty Face
Self (archive footage)
Brad Pitt is a singular actor in Hollywood's glamorous world, breaking through his "playboy image" and embodying American cinema's renewal. At the beginning there was a humble Midwestern aware of being a smokescreen for the illusions of his time, who has managed to keep control of his image to better serve the most talented directors of our time. To name but a few: David Fincher, Quentin Tarantino, the Coen brothers, Terrence Malick, James Gray and soon Damien Chazelle. This documentary dives into the brain of a complex, brilliant and endearing personality, far from the cliché of a world-famous movie icon to discover the hidden side of the most handsome man in the world.
Fresh
Producer
Frustrated by scrolling dating apps only to end up on lame, tedious dates, Noa takes a chance by giving her number to the awkwardly charming Steve after a produce-section meet-cute at the grocery store.
Don't Look Up
Screenplay
Two American astronomers attempt to warn humankind about an approaching comet that will wipe out life on planet Earth.
Don't Look Up
Story
Two American astronomers attempt to warn humankind about an approaching comet that will wipe out life on planet Earth.
Don't Look Up
Producer
Two American astronomers attempt to warn humankind about an approaching comet that will wipe out life on planet Earth.
Don't Look Up
Director
Two American astronomers attempt to warn humankind about an approaching comet that will wipe out life on planet Earth.
Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar
Producer
The story of best friends Barb and Star, who leave their small midwestern town for the first time to go on vacation in Vista Del Mar, Florida, where they soon find themselves tangled up in adventure, love, and a villain’s evil plot to kill everyone in town.
The Oxy Kingpins
Executive Producer
It follows the untold story of how a network of pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and retailers worked together to orchestrate and perpetuate the opioid crisis that has killed over half a million people in America.
537 Votes
Executive Producer
Documentary chronicling the political machinations that led to the unprecedented, contested outcome of the 2000 presidential election, including the chaotic voter recount in Florida that ended with George W. Bush winning by a razor-thin margin.
For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close
Himself
Comedy guru Del Close, mentor to everyone from Bill Murray to Tina Fey, sets out to write his autobiography for D.C. Comics. As he leads us through sewers, mental wards, and his peculiar talent for making everyone famous but himself, Close emerges as a personification of the creative impulse itself. He's a muse with BO and dirty needles, offering transcendence despite (or because of) the trail of wreckage behind him.
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Executive Producer
Two small-town aspiring musicians chase their pop star dreams at a global music competition, where high stakes, scheming rivals and onstage mishaps test their bond.
Jonathan Scott’s Power Trip
Executive Producer
Energy freedom is at our fingertips, yet a powerful system is waging war against the solar industry and people's rights. Jonathan Scott travels the USA confronting those at the root of the issue and meeting with ordinary citizens fighting back.
Live in Front of a Studio Audience:
Executive Producer
Live performances of classic holiday-themed episodes from Norman Lear's hit shows "All in the Family" and "Good Times."
Hustlers
Producer
A crew of savvy former strip club employees band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients.
Booksmart
Executive Producer
Two academic teenage superstars realize, on the eve of their high school graduation, that they should have worked less and played more. Determined to never fall short of their peers, the girls set out on a mission to cram four years of fun into one night.
Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's
Executive Producer
Celebrities re-create an original episode each from "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons."
Hal
Self
Hal Ashby's obsessive genius led to an unprecedented string of Oscar®-winning classics, including Harold and Maude, Shampoo and Being There. But as contemporaries Coppola, Scorsese and Spielberg rose to blockbuster stardom in the 1980s, Ashby's uncompromising nature played out as a cautionary tale of art versus commerce.
Holmes & Watson
Producer
Detective Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson join forces to investigate a murder at Buckingham Palace. They soon learn that they have only four days to solve the case, or the queen will become the next victim.
Vice
Producer
George W. Bush picks Dick Cheney, the CEO of Halliburton Co., to be his Republican running mate in the 2000 presidential election. No stranger to politics, Cheney's impressive résumé includes stints as White House chief of staff, House Minority Whip and Defense Secretary. When Bush wins by a narrow margin, Cheney begins to use his newfound power to help reshape the country and the world.
Vice
Writer
George W. Bush picks Dick Cheney, the CEO of Halliburton Co., to be his Republican running mate in the 2000 presidential election. No stranger to politics, Cheney's impressive résumé includes stints as White House chief of staff, House Minority Whip and Defense Secretary. When Bush wins by a narrow margin, Cheney begins to use his newfound power to help reshape the country and the world.
Vice
Director
George W. Bush picks Dick Cheney, the CEO of Halliburton Co., to be his Republican running mate in the 2000 presidential election. No stranger to politics, Cheney's impressive résumé includes stints as White House chief of staff, House Minority Whip and Defense Secretary. When Bush wins by a narrow margin, Cheney begins to use his newfound power to help reshape the country and the world.
Ibiza
Producer
She could do the responsible thing. Or she could go to Ibiza with her best friends to chase down a hot DJ. Easy choice.
Daddy's Home 2
Producer
Brad and Dusty must deal with their intrusive fathers during the holidays.
The House
Producer
When Scott and Kate Johansen’s daughter gets into the college of her dreams it’s cause for celebration. That is, until Scott and Kate learn that the scholarship they were counting on didn’t come through, and they’re now on the hook for tuition they can’t begin to afford. With the help of their friend and neighbor Frank also in need of a major payday they decide to open an illegal casino in his suburban house, risking everything together on a Vegas-style bacchanal where money flows, inhibitions are checked at the door, and all bets are off.
Oh Lucy!
Executive Producer
A lonely, chain-smoking office lady in Tokyo falls for her teacher when she decides to take English lessons. When her teacher disappears, she sets out on a journey to find him.
A.C. Green: Iron Virgin
Producer
He played in a record 1,192 consecutive NBA games. As a power forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, he won two NBA championships. But what made A.C. Green even more distinctive was the courage of his convictions. As this ESPN 30 for 30 Short points out, Green was a devout Christian who says he maintained his virginity throughout his 16 years in the NBA, nine of them spent in the tempting, hedonistic atmosphere of LA. That didn’t stop him from being a fierce, passionate competitor on the court. It just meant that he was someone who, as teammate James Worthy says, “could stay strong and not be broken.” It was only after he retired after the 2000-01 season that Green got married.
A.C. Green: Iron Virgin
Executive Producer
He played in a record 1,192 consecutive NBA games. As a power forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, he won two NBA championships. But what made A.C. Green even more distinctive was the courage of his convictions. As this ESPN 30 for 30 Short points out, Green was a devout Christian who says he maintained his virginity throughout his 16 years in the NBA, nine of them spent in the tempting, hedonistic atmosphere of LA. That didn’t stop him from being a fierce, passionate competitor on the court. It just meant that he was someone who, as teammate James Worthy says, “could stay strong and not be broken.” It was only after he retired after the 2000-01 season that Green got married.
The Boss
Producer
A titan of industry is sent to prison after she's caught for insider trading. When she emerges ready to rebrand herself as America's latest sweetheart, not everyone she screwed over is so quick to forgive and forget.
Grimsby
Executive Producer
Wrongfully accused and on the run, a top MI6 assassin joins forces with his long-lost, football hooligan brother to save the world from a sinister plot.
Daddy's Home
Producer
The story of a mild-mannered radio executive who strives to become the best stepdad ever to his wife's two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling, freeloading real father arrives, forcing stepdad to compete for the affection of the kids.
Daddy's Home
Screenplay
The story of a mild-mannered radio executive who strives to become the best stepdad ever to his wife's two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling, freeloading real father arrives, forcing stepdad to compete for the affection of the kids.
Thank You, Del: The Story of the Del Close Marathon
Himself
Del Close was never a household name, but any comedy enthusiast is aware of his impact. From Bill Murray to Chris Farley to Amy Poehler, many of the most famous comedians consider him their mentor. Fifteen years after Del Close’s death, thousands of Improv students, comedy fans, actors, and successful comedians gather to celebrate the most important person in modern comedy that no one knows.
Ant-Man
Screenplay
Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Doctor Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.
Sleeping with Other People
Producer
Can two serial cheaters get a second chance at love? After a one-night stand in college, New Yorkers Lainey and Jake meet by chance twelve years later and discover they each have the same problem: because of their monogamy-challenged ways, neither can maintain a relationship. Determined to stay friends despite their mutual attraction, they make a pact to keep it platonic, a deal that proves easier said than done.
A Deadly Adoption
Executive Producer
Things go awry when an author and his wife welcome a pregnant woman into their home, with plans to adopt her baby.
Welcome to Me
Producer
A year in the life of Alice Klieg, a woman with Borderline personality disorder who wins the Mega Millions lottery, quits her meds and buys her own talk show.
Get Hard
Producer
When obscenely rich hedge-fund manager James is convicted of fraud and sentenced to a stretch in San Quentin, the judge gives him one month to get his affairs in order. Knowing that he won't survive more than a few minutes in prison on his own, James desperately turns to Darnell-- a black businessman who's never even had a parking ticket -- for help. As Darnell puts James through the wringer, both learn that they were wrong about many things, including each other.
Get Hard
Story
When obscenely rich hedge-fund manager James is convicted of fraud and sentenced to a stretch in San Quentin, the judge gives him one month to get his affairs in order. Knowing that he won't survive more than a few minutes in prison on his own, James desperately turns to Darnell-- a black businessman who's never even had a parking ticket -- for help. As Darnell puts James through the wringer, both learn that they were wrong about many things, including each other.
Tammy
Producer
For Tammy, a burger-joint employee, a bad day keeps getting worse. She wrecks her car, loses her job and finds that her husband has been unfaithful. It's time for Tammy to hit the road, but without money or transportation, her options are limited. Her only choice is a road trip with her hard-drinking grandmother, Pearl, who has a car, cash and an itch to see Niagara Falls. It's not the escape Tammy had in mind, but it may be what she needs.
This Is Comedy
Himself
A documentary about the comedy director and producer Judd Apatow.
Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
Producer
With the 70s behind him, San Diego's top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy, returns to take New York's first 24-hour news channel by storm.
Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
Screenplay
With the 70s behind him, San Diego's top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy, returns to take New York's first 24-hour news channel by storm.
Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
Director
With the 70s behind him, San Diego's top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy, returns to take New York's first 24-hour news channel by storm.
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters
Producer
After getting a taste for blood as children, Hansel and Gretel have become the ultimate vigilantes, hell-bent on retribution. Now, unbeknownst to them, Hansel and Gretel have become the hunted, and must face an evil far greater than witches... their past.
The Campaign
Story
Two rival politicians compete to win an election to represent their small North Carolina congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.
The Campaign
Producer
Two rival politicians compete to win an election to represent their small North Carolina congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.
The Dictator
Executive Producer
The heroic story of a dictator who risks his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.
Casa De Mi Padre
Producer
Scheming of a way to save their father's ranch, the Alvarez brothers find themselves in a war with Mexico's most feared drug lord.
Bachelorette
Producer
Three friends are asked to be bridesmaids at a wedding of a woman they used to ridicule back in high school.
Fully Loaded
Executive Producer
On a rare evening out, two feisty single moms discover that it's not so easy to hook up with a total stranger anymore.
The Virginity Hit
Producer
Four guys, one camera, and their experience chronicling the exhilarating and terrifying rite of passage: losing your virginity. As these guys help their buddy get laid, they'll have to survive friends with benefits, Internet hookups, even porn stars during an adventure that proves why you will always remember your first time.
The Other Guys
Producer
Unlike their heroic counterparts on the force, desk-bound NYPD detectives Gamble and Hoitz garner no headlines as they work day to day. When a seemingly minor case turns out to be a big deal, the two cops get the opportunity to finally prove to their comrades that they have the right stuff.
The Other Guys
Dirty Mike
Unlike their heroic counterparts on the force, desk-bound NYPD detectives Gamble and Hoitz garner no headlines as they work day to day. When a seemingly minor case turns out to be a big deal, the two cops get the opportunity to finally prove to their comrades that they have the right stuff.
The Other Guys
Screenplay
Unlike their heroic counterparts on the force, desk-bound NYPD detectives Gamble and Hoitz garner no headlines as they work day to day. When a seemingly minor case turns out to be a big deal, the two cops get the opportunity to finally prove to their comrades that they have the right stuff.
The Other Guys
Director
Unlike their heroic counterparts on the force, desk-bound NYPD detectives Gamble and Hoitz garner no headlines as they work day to day. When a seemingly minor case turns out to be a big deal, the two cops get the opportunity to finally prove to their comrades that they have the right stuff.
Presidential Reunion
Writer
In this Funny or Die short, Barack Obama has the opportunity to meet all the former U.S. presidents from Gerald Ford to George W. Bush, dead or alive, who'll help him to figure out America's current politics and problems while talking about political issues from the past. But maybe they aren't the best choices to help him out.
Land of the Lost
Executive Producer
On his latest expedition, Dr. Rick Marshall is sucked into a space-time vortex alongside his research assistant and a redneck survivalist. In this alternate universe, the trio make friends with a primate named Chaka, their only ally in a world full of dinosaurs and other fantastic creatures.
The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
Producer
Don Ready is many things, but he is best-known as an extraordinary salesman. When a car dealership in Temecula teeters on the brink of bankruptcy, he and his ragtag team dive in to save the day. But what Ready doesn't count on is falling in love and finding his soul.
Will Ferrell: You're Welcome America - A Final Night with George W. Bush
Executive Producer
Will Ferrell stars in a stand-up comedy as George W. Bush in this take on the former President of the United States. After playing George W. Bush on Saturday Night Live for many years, funny man Will Ferrell brings his impression to Broadway to send up the 43rd President of the United States of America.
Prop 8: The Musical
Producer
The conflict of the aftermath of Proposition 8 (banning gay marriage in California) is solved by Jesus.
Step Brothers
Man without Glasses
Brennan Huff and Dale Doback might be grown men. But that doesn't stop them from living at home and turning into jealous, competitive stepbrothers when their single parents marry. Brennan's constant competition with Dale strains his mom's marriage to Dale's dad, leaving everyone to wonder whether they'll ever see eye to eye.
Step Brothers
Story
Brennan Huff and Dale Doback might be grown men. But that doesn't stop them from living at home and turning into jealous, competitive stepbrothers when their single parents marry. Brennan's constant competition with Dale strains his mom's marriage to Dale's dad, leaving everyone to wonder whether they'll ever see eye to eye.
Step Brothers
Screenplay
Brennan Huff and Dale Doback might be grown men. But that doesn't stop them from living at home and turning into jealous, competitive stepbrothers when their single parents marry. Brennan's constant competition with Dale strains his mom's marriage to Dale's dad, leaving everyone to wonder whether they'll ever see eye to eye.
Step Brothers
Executive Producer
Brennan Huff and Dale Doback might be grown men. But that doesn't stop them from living at home and turning into jealous, competitive stepbrothers when their single parents marry. Brennan's constant competition with Dale strains his mom's marriage to Dale's dad, leaving everyone to wonder whether they'll ever see eye to eye.
Step Brothers
Director
Brennan Huff and Dale Doback might be grown men. But that doesn't stop them from living at home and turning into jealous, competitive stepbrothers when their single parents marry. Brennan's constant competition with Dale strains his mom's marriage to Dale's dad, leaving everyone to wonder whether they'll ever see eye to eye.
Green Team
Adam
McKay, Ferrell and Reilly form a Green Team to save our polluted environment.
Green Team
Writer
McKay, Ferrell and Reilly form a Green Team to save our polluted environment.
Green Team
Director
McKay, Ferrell and Reilly form a Green Team to save our polluted environment.
The Procedure
Writer
Christopher is under a lot of stress at work and decides to undergo a surgical procedure that makes you listen to your favorite song all the time.
The Procedure
Director
Christopher is under a lot of stress at work and decides to undergo a surgical procedure that makes you listen to your favorite song all the time.
Good Cop, Baby Cop
Director
A man is who has shot people is being beat up by a baby cop named Angel
Good Cop, Baby Cop
Writer
A man is who has shot people is being beat up by a baby cop named Angel
Good Cop, Baby Cop
Policeman
A man is who has shot people is being beat up by a baby cop named Angel
The Landlord
Friend
An angry landlord hassles her behind-in-rent tenant.
The Landlord
Producer
An angry landlord hassles her behind-in-rent tenant.
The Landlord
Writer
An angry landlord hassles her behind-in-rent tenant.
The Landlord
Director
An angry landlord hassles her behind-in-rent tenant.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Writer
The fastest man on four wheels, Ricky Bobby is one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. A big, hairy American winning machine, Ricky has everything a dimwitted daredevil could want, a luxurious mansion, a smokin' hot wife and all the fast food he can eat. But Ricky's turbo-charged lifestyle hits an unexpected speed bump when he's bested by flamboyant Euro-idiot Jean Girard and reduced to a fear-ridden wreck.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Executive Producer
The fastest man on four wheels, Ricky Bobby is one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. A big, hairy American winning machine, Ricky has everything a dimwitted daredevil could want, a luxurious mansion, a smokin' hot wife and all the fast food he can eat. But Ricky's turbo-charged lifestyle hits an unexpected speed bump when he's bested by flamboyant Euro-idiot Jean Girard and reduced to a fear-ridden wreck.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Director
The fastest man on four wheels, Ricky Bobby is one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. A big, hairy American winning machine, Ricky has everything a dimwitted daredevil could want, a luxurious mansion, a smokin' hot wife and all the fast food he can eat. But Ricky's turbo-charged lifestyle hits an unexpected speed bump when he's bested by flamboyant Euro-idiot Jean Girard and reduced to a fear-ridden wreck.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Terry Cheveaux
The fastest man on four wheels, Ricky Bobby is one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. A big, hairy American winning machine, Ricky has everything a dimwitted daredevil could want, a luxurious mansion, a smokin' hot wife and all the fast food he can eat. But Ricky's turbo-charged lifestyle hits an unexpected speed bump when he's bested by flamboyant Euro-idiot Jean Girard and reduced to a fear-ridden wreck.
Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie
Custodian
While Ron Burgundy's rivalry with Veronica Corningstone escalates quickly, a group of unprofessional thieves better known as 'The Alarm Clock' try to make the truth known, whatever that may mean...
Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie
Writer
While Ron Burgundy's rivalry with Veronica Corningstone escalates quickly, a group of unprofessional thieves better known as 'The Alarm Clock' try to make the truth known, whatever that may mean...
Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie
Director
While Ron Burgundy's rivalry with Veronica Corningstone escalates quickly, a group of unprofessional thieves better known as 'The Alarm Clock' try to make the truth known, whatever that may mean...
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Custodian
It's the 1970s and San Diego anchorman Ron Burgundy is the top dog in local TV, but that's all about to change when ambitious reporter Veronica Corningstone arrives as a new employee at his station.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Writer
It's the 1970s and San Diego anchorman Ron Burgundy is the top dog in local TV, but that's all about to change when ambitious reporter Veronica Corningstone arrives as a new employee at his station.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Director
It's the 1970s and San Diego anchorman Ron Burgundy is the top dog in local TV, but that's all about to change when ambitious reporter Veronica Corningstone arrives as a new employee at his station.
The Freshening
Producer
A near future where tensions over race and gender have reached a boiling point. In this explosive atmosphere, the U.S. government will institute a public health initiative known as “The Freshening.” It requires every American to receive an injection, which prevents them from no longer perceiving race or gender.
Disorientation
Producer
A sharp-edged, celebrated satire about a college student’s revealing dissertation on a young poet.
Breeders
Producer
Described as a social horror-thriller that is tonally in the vein of the movie "Fresh" (2022). Premise TBA.
J6
Producer
A film about the January 6 assault on the US Capitol, considered the worst attack on democracy since the Civil War.
Bad Blood
Writer
Entrepreneur Elizabeth Holmes creates a bio-tech company that skyrockets her to fame with an estimated value in the billions, but when federal agencies begin investigating the company, her integrity is called into doubt.
American Huckster
Producer
A New York hustler Wheels and deals his way to the top of one of the most powerful and corrupt sports organization in the World.
Bad Blood
Producer
Entrepreneur Elizabeth Holmes creates a bio-tech company that skyrockets her to fame with an estimated value in the billions, but when federal agencies begin investigating the company, her integrity is called into doubt.
Bad Blood
Director
Entrepreneur Elizabeth Holmes creates a bio-tech company that skyrockets her to fame with an estimated value in the billions, but when federal agencies begin investigating the company, her integrity is called into doubt.
Untitled eSports Project
Producer
An aging eSports competitor goes against the odds and challenges its younger gamers.
The Flintstones
Producer
Animated feature film based on the TV series, "The Flintstones".
Will
Producer
An ordinary man lives in a world where free will doesn't exit. The lives and destinies of every human being are scripted by scribes in Heaven. One day,his writer quits, leaving him to go about his day unscripted.
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters 2
Producer
First Ladies
Producer
The story of America’s first female president, Beverly Nicholson, and her wife, the first lady, Kasey. When Beverly and Kasey move into the White House, they’ll prove that behind every great woman… is another great woman.
Toni Erdmann
Producer
A remake of the 2016 German film, 'Toni Erdmann' about a dad who creates an alter ego of himself in an effort to connect with his polar-opposite daughter.
Plus One
Producer
Rachel ends a relationship and realizes that all of her female friends have gotten married. Except for Summer.