Leonardo DiCaprio Opposed Meryl Streep’s Nude Scene in ‘Don’t Look Up’

Leonardo DiCaprio, one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors, expressed discomfort with a nude scene involving his co-star Meryl Streep in the Netflix film ‘Don't Look Up.’ The 2021 satirical comedy, directed by Adam McKay, features DiCaprio and Streep as a scientist and a clueless U.S. president, respectively, grappling with an impending comet collision.

In a pivotal scene, Streep’s character, President Orlean, is shown nude from behind with a ‘tramp stamp’ tattoo as survivors explore a new planet. DiCaprio, who has long admired Streep as a cinematic icon, questioned the necessity of the scene during production. ‘He didn’t like seeing her with the lower back tattoo, walking for a second naked,’ McKay told The Guardian. ‘He said something like, ‘Do you really need to show that?’

McKay explained that DiCaprio views Streep as ‘film royalty’ and found the scene disrespectful to her legacy. Despite Streep using a body double for the shot, DiCaprio remained uneasy about the joke’s inclusion. ‘It’s President Orlean; it’s not Meryl Streep,’ McKay responded, emphasizing the distinction between the actor and her character.

Streep, however, reportedly had no reservations about the scene. ‘She didn’t even blink. She didn’t even bring it up,’ McKay said, highlighting her professionalism and lack of concern over the gag.

This wasn’t the first time DiCaprio and Streep shared the screen. The two previously worked together in the 1996 drama ‘Marvin’s Room,’ where DiCaprio, then 18, was in awe of Streep’s talent. Reflecting on their earlier collaboration, DiCaprio once told Esquire, ‘I looked at her and thought, ‘How is this going to look good?’ Then, in the theater, it was, ‘Oh, my God, she’s the only person who looks completely natural.’

‘Don’t Look Up’ has sparked conversations not only for its star-studded cast but also for its sharp political commentary and satirical take on societal indifference to existential threats. The film’s blend of humor and critique has made it a standout in both DiCaprio’s and Streep’s illustrious careers.