Louis Theroux Launches New Netflix Documentary on the Manosphere and Podcast Division While Responding to Bob Vylan’s Critique: “I’m Ready for Tough Conversations, and I Hope It Lasts”
Louis Theroux’s Exploration of the Manosphere Set to Premiere on Netflix
A year after the release of Adolescence, esteemed documentarian Louis Theroux will present his latest investigation into the manosphere on Netflix. The feature-length documentary, titled Inside the Manosphere, is set to premiere on March 11.
Produced by Theroux’s Mindhouse Productions, the 90-minute film delves into the darker corners of online communities that shape contemporary views of masculinity, featuring notable figures such as Andrew Tate. Theroux interviews individuals like Harrison Sullivan (HS Tikky Tokky), Myron Gaines, Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy (Sneako), Justin Waller, and Ed Matthews, who all play pivotal roles in influencing young men’s perspectives and the resurgence of the global men’s rights movement.
Theroux clarified that although details about the doc surfaced last year and it was initially deemed a spin-off of Adolescence, filming commenced prior to the release of the first project. “It’s sort of nothing like Adolescence but it’s in the precinct of what the boy in Adolescence might have been watching,” he noted, emphasizing the documentary’s timely relevance.
Reflecting on the filming experience, Theroux expressed the challenges of being both observer and subject. “I knew they would be streaming or filming me and would put that content out,” he remarked. “Sometimes it was kind of embarrassing. I’d arrive back from filming trips and my kids would say, ‘Dad, what you were doing? You got owned.’ That’s a little bit painful but actually makes for a stronger film.”
In addition to Inside the Manosphere, Mindhouse Productions, overseen by Nancy Strang and Arron Fellows, has initiated a podcast division aimed at simplifying the commissioning process for stories. Theroux articulated how launching his podcast during lockdown was a transformative experience that demonstrated the potential for connection and reach.
Mindhouse is also involved in producing other podcasts, such as Rylan Clark’s, and is exploring opportunities in the digital landscape to streamline storytelling through different platforms. Strang highlighted the studio’s goal of effectively managing the complexities of documentary production, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects or access issues.
Theroux’s podcast work has included interviewing high-profile figures, such as Ed Sheeran and Sean Penn. He acknowledged that while some interviews could be viewed as challenging, they serve to reinforce his unique position in British broadcasting. A recent podcast episode with Bobby Vylan stirred controversy, resulting in British Airways pulling its sponsorship. Theroux addressed the backlash, asserting the importance of conducting frank discussions, even when they carry risks.
Reflecting on The Settlers, a recent BBC documentary that examined illegal Israeli settlements, Theroux underscored the importance of risk-taking in journalism, particularly amid a climate of tightened budgets and cautious commissioning processes.
Despite the hurdles, Mindhouse Productions remains optimistic. “It’s been a positive last 12 months,” Strang stated, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering meaningful content while navigating the evolving landscape of media production. As the industry faces challenges, Mindhouse aims to remain at the forefront of impactful storytelling.
