Jane Goodall roasted Elon Musk in her posthumous Netflix interview
Netflix’s newest docuseries, Famous Last Words, has become the centre of global attention in a short time. It was followed by the release of its first episode featuring Dr Jane Goodall and a few pointed comments about some of the world’s most powerful figures, including Elon Musk.
The episode was filmed in March under strict confidentiality and was designed to be released only after Goodall’s death. In case you’re unaware, she was the 91-year-old primatologist and UN Messenger of Peace. Dr Jane Goodall leaves behind a legacy that transformed global understanding of the natural world. Her research in Tanzania redefined how humans view animals, and her Roots & Shoots programme continues to inspire environmental action in more than 75 countries.
Sadly, she passed away earlier last week, and that was Netflix’s cue to release the emotional interview as a tribute to her life and work. It was hosted by Glee and American Horror Story creator Brad Falchuk.
At one point in the conversation, Goodall spoke about things like her connection to nature and her hopes for humanity. She also reflected big time on her legacy. In the interview, when she was asked about the state of the world, she did not hold back. “Absolutely, there are people I don’t like,” she said. “I’d like to put them on one of Musk’s spaceships and send them all off to the planet he’s sure he’s going to discover.”
Later in the exchange, when Falchuk asked if Musk himself would be on that ship, Goodall replied, “Oh absolutely, he’d be the host.” She went on to name US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as her other hypothetical passengers.
The interview (actually a private recording), which was a part of a long-running project, was filmed privately with remotely operated cameras and is the first instalment of Famous Last Words. This is a Danish-inspired format that captures the final unedited thoughts of major cultural figures. Each episode is released posthumously, allowing guests to speak freely without concern for public reaction.
Her remarks have since gone viral, sparking global discussion about her candid remarks and compassionate final message. After her now-famous exchange about Musk and other leaders, she ended with a heartfelt statement about resilience and the future of the planet. “Don’t lose hope,” she said. “Even when the planet is dark, there’s still light. You get to choose the difference you make.”
Meanwhile, Netflix faced a turbulent week on the markets. The company’s shares dropped more than four per cent after Elon Musk publicly encouraged users to cancel their subscriptions. It wiped more than 15 billion dollars off the company’s market value. Now, with Goodall’s posthumous appearance trending across social media, the series may mark a timely turning point for the platform.
With Famous Last Words, Netflix captures one final chapter in her story, an episode that feels honest, reflective, and unmistakably human.