The Strokes have unveiled a provocative new music video for their track “Lonely in the Future,” utilizing the satirical power of Spitting Image puppets to deliver a sharp critique of the billionaire class. The visual narrative mirrors the aesthetic of Genesis’ legendary “Land of Confusion” promo, placing the band members alongside puppet caricatures of prominent public figures.
Julian Casablancas of The Strokes performs in 2026. CREDIT: Terence Rushin/Getty Images
Director Warren Fu, a longtime collaborator who has previously helmed videos for the band including “You Only Live Once” and “Under Cover of Darkness,” spearheaded the project. By partnering with the team behind the Spitting Image television series, the production features satirical versions of high-profile individuals, such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Rupert Murdoch, and activist Greta Thunberg.
The video pulls no punches regarding the ultra-wealthy, portraying Musk and Bezos in a bizarre display of intimacy before turning their aggression toward Mark Zuckerberg with a taser. The narrative culminates in a cynical celebration of global collapse. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch is also lampooned for his editorial influence, while other sequences depict Thunberg in custody and music critic Anthony Fantano offering harsh dismissals of classical compositions and cinematic classics—a nod to the ongoing tension between the critic and frontman Julian Casablancas.
Beyond the political commentary, the video serves as a tribute to the band’s own history, featuring puppet versions of the group members recreating iconic moments from their past music videos and their seminal 2002 MTV2 “$2 Bill” performance. The production also includes cameos from producer Rick Rubin and the late Lou Reed, whom Casablancas has consistently cited as a primary influence.
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This release follows the band’s recent appearance on Saturday Night Live, where they performed “Lonely in the Future” and “Going Shopping.” The latter featured a guest appearance by Walton Goggins, who also starred in the track's music video, which pays homage to the Paul Simon classic “You Can Call Me Al.”
The band is currently riding the momentum of their latest record, Reality Awaits, which has been met with critical acclaim for its experimental edge. While guitarist Nick Valensi is currently taking a temporary hiatus from the road—with Steve Schiltz filling in for recent tour dates—Casablancas has confirmed that Valensi is expected to return to the stage with the group in the near future.
