Not so long ago, “doomsday prepper” brought to mind images of people stockpiling canned goods in remote cabins, anxiously awaiting an apocalypse. While building bomb shelters was a response to Cold War fears in the 1960s, for decades after, such preparations were often dismissed. However, the 21st century has seen a fundamental shift in our collective mindset regarding preparedness.
The aftermath of 9/11 sparked a renewed interest in personal security and disaster readiness, echoing the anxieties of the Cold War era, leading to a significant surge in the market for home bunkers and bomb shelters as new threats emerged. The COVID-19 pandemic then unequivocally amplified these fears, prompting many to revisit the concept of creating a safe haven near or within their homes, drawing upon historical lessons of resilience and self-preservation.
Of course, securing one’s future against an unknown doomsday scenario, whether it’s a natural disaster, a societal collapse, or something more extreme, isn’t a cheap endeavor. Off-grid compounds and elaborate bunkers come with hefty price tags, effectively ensuring that only the wealthiest among us possess the means to truly insulate themselves from potential catastrophe. This naturally brings us to the tech billionaires and, perhaps more surprisingly, a roster of high-profile celebrities who are quietly, or sometimes not so quietly, building incredible bunkers or learning to live entirely off the grid should the need arise. So, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the fascinating, and frankly, kind of wild, world of celebrity doomsday prepping.
1. **Mark Zuckerberg: The Hawaiian Fortress** Mark Zuckerberg, the Meta CEO and a globally recognized tech billionaire, is known for his substantial investments, especially in his vast real estate. While his properties worldwide are undeniably opulent, one particular Hawaiian compound stands out as a testament to his dedication to ultimate self-preservation, serving not merely as a vacation home but as a meticulously planned, apocalypse-proof sanctuary on an immense scale.
Located on the pristine island of Kauai, Zuckerberg’s property, known as Koolau Ranch, spans a staggering 1,400 acres. The sheer size alone suggests a desire for privacy and self-sufficiency that goes far beyond typical celebrity estates. Wired’s December 2023 report shed light on some astonishing details, revealing plans for a massive 5,000-square-foot underground shelter. This isn’t a cramped, utilitarian space; it’s designed to be a fully functional living environment, outfitted with its own food supplies and an independent energy system, ensuring survival in style.
The entire project, once completed, is estimated to cost Zuckerberg more than $270 million in land and building costs, making Koolau Ranch one of the most expensive properties on the planet. The compound is also reportedly guarded by a private security force, and everyone entering must sign a nondisclosure agreement, indicating the extreme level of secrecy surrounding this ambitious endeavor. It’s clear that for Zuckerberg, preparing for doomsday means doing so with absolute discretion, unparalleled luxury, and comprehensive self-reliance, ensuring he and his loved ones can weather any storm.
2. **Tom Cruise: The Telluride Mountain Hideaway**When you think of A-list actors who are prepared for anything, Tom Cruise often comes to mind, not just for his incredible stunts on screen but also for his somewhat eccentric real-life pursuits. As one of Hollywood’s highest-paid stars, Cruise possesses immense wealth, granting him the freedom to acquire or construct virtually anything his heart desires—including, it seems, a state-of-the-art doomsday bunker. His extensive real estate holdings include a particular property in Telluride, Colorado, which is reportedly earmarked as his ultimate apocalypse retreat.
This isn’t just a cozy cabin; Cruise’s Telluride property is a breathtaking $59 million mountain hideaway spread across 298 acres. The estate already boasts an impressive array of amenities, from forest trails and riding stables to a private helipad, suggesting a lifestyle accustomed to both luxury and self-contained living. However, it was back in 2007 that Wired magazine brought to light Cruise’s ambitious plans to further enhance this already formidable property by adding a $10 million bunker beneath his estate.
This proposed bunker was envisioned as far more than a basic survival hole in the ground. Sources close to the actor, as reported by America’s Star (via Stuff), described it as “a self-contained underground shelter with a high-tech air-purifying system, where up to ten people can survive for years.” While it remains unclear whether Cruise ultimately moved forward with these exact plans, his means and reported inclination towards such elaborate preparations make it highly probable.
This projected bunker represents the epitome of high-end survival, offering a secure, luxurious, and long-term refuge from any conceivable global catastrophe, ensuring the ultimate in privacy and protection for one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars.
3. **Kim Kardashian: The Underground Vault Debate**On the surface, Kim Kardashian’s life appears to be one of unparalleled glamour and luxury, seemingly untouched by the everyday anxieties that plague the rest of us. Yet, beneath the polished exterior, Kardashian has faced genuinely frightening and invasive situations, most notably being robbed, bound, and gagged in 2016 as thieves absconded with millions in jewelry. This harrowing experience, coupled with hearing about a friend’s similar ordeal, undeniably spurred her to seriously consider extreme measures for personal security, including the acquisition of a bunker.
During an episode of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” the reality star explored various bunker options but found them too confining and uncomfortably hot, indicating her initial requirements for a safe space were quite specific and luxurious. Nevertheless, a few years later, Kardashian became involved in a neighborhood dispute over her plans to construct an underground “vault” and parking structure at her massive $60 million home, a project of such magnitude it involved flattening two hills and compacting an astonishing 5,000 cubic yards of dirt.
While the exact nature of what Kardashian intended to build remained shrouded in some mystery, it was widely speculated that at least some aspect of the extensive underground construction was indeed related to a bunker or highly fortified safe space. Clyde Scott, the owner of Rising S Bunkers, a prominent company in the industry, even remarked in 2017, “Did you hear about Kim and Kanye getting one built? Yeah, that’s one of ours. I’m sure Kim’s will have a pool too.” This statement, if true, highlights the opulent and customized nature of her (or her former partner’s) potential doomsday preparations, designed not just for survival but for comfort, even amidst the end of the world.
It’s no surprise that any such personal security measures would be kept firmly out of the public eye, underscoring the secretive world of high-stakes celebrity prepping. For Kim Kardashian, security and self-preservation appear to be as integral to her lifestyle as high fashion and media presence, ensuring her family’s safety against any potential threat, visible or hidden.
4. **Post Malone: The “Apocalypse-Proof” Utah Hideaway**Post Malone, the chart-topping musician, isn’t just known for his distinctive music and persona; he’s also remarkably candid about his distrust of government and his views on societal collapse. Over the years, Malone has openly expressed his concerns, going as far as calling the U.S. government “The biggest lie in the world” in 2018 and actively encouraging his fans to consider moving to the countryside. For Malone, escaping to rural areas represents the ultimate freedom from government control, a philosophy he has clearly embraced in his own life choices.
He put his money where his mouth is, so to speak, by purchasing a formidable 13,000-square-foot property situated on seven acres in Salt Lake City, Utah. This isn’t just a sprawling celebrity mansion; Malone proudly refers to it as his “apocalypse-proof” hideaway. In an interview with Montreality, he articulated his grave concerns, advising, “Move somewhere, because whenever martial law is declared… whenever your credit cards fail, whenever your banks fail… you have three days to get out of where you are because that’s when they’re coming for you.” It’s clear his Utah retreat is far more than a luxury abode; it’s a strategic sanctuary.
Post Malone has openly discussed his prepping plans with publications like Rolling Stone and on the H3 Podcast, revealing his vision for an apocalypse-proof home that includes practicalities like installing “like, 30 bunk beds” to accommodate a significant number of people. He also values Utah’s more permissive firearm laws, noting, “You can buy suppressors in Utah. You can do open-carry. Walk into the grocery store with a handgun on your hip. Cowboy s***. I can’t wait.”
This unique blend of celebrity status, anti-establishment sentiment, and robust self-sufficiency makes Post Malone’s Utah home a fascinating, and undoubtedly functional, example of an A-lister preparing for the end times, ensuring it’ll be “fun until the world ends.” His commitment to a self-sufficient, secure lifestyle highlights a different approach to celebrity prepping, one that values independence and preparedness above all else.
Alright, so if the first four examples of celebrity doomsday prep left you utterly speechless, get ready, because we’re just getting started! These aren’t just folks thinking about what to do when the internet goes out; they’re envisioning entire new ways of life, from fortified islands to self-sufficient ranches, all designed to keep them and their chosen few safe from… well, everything. It’s wild, it’s grand, and it’s absolutely fascinating. Let’s dive into four more high-profile personalities who are taking preparedness to a whole new level!
5. **Jeff Bezos: The Billionaire Bunker Island**When you’re one of the wealthiest people on the planet, like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, your approach to doomsday prepping probably looks a little different than the average person’s—and certainly more exclusive. While many might fantasize about a remote cabin, Bezos has essentially secured his own slice of apocalypse-proof paradise on an island. We’re talking about a private island so swanky, it’s literally known as ‘Billionaire Bunker.’
This isn’t some metaphor; it’s a very real, very exclusive island off the coast of Miami, officially named Indian Creek Island. Unlike most of the artificial islands dotted around Biscayne Bay, this one is practically impenetrable to outsiders. Bezos has reportedly invested a cool $147 million in two properties on this island, securing a prime spot in what many consider the ultimate sanctuary for the ultra-rich.
And he’s not alone! He shares this exclusive turf with other titans of industry and celebrity, including Tom Brady, Carl Icahn, Julio Iglesias, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner. The island boasts a heavily guarded entrance and is patrolled by the Indian Creek Village Police Department, ready to answer any call a billionaire might make regarding their security. This isn’t just about a physical bunker; it’s about a community designed from the ground up for privacy and ultimate protection.
While Jeff Bezos’ specific in-home bunker details remain private, reflecting the ultimate luxury of discretion, his primary focus in doomsday preparation appears to be the creation of an unassailable fortress of privacy and community. His investment in a heavily fortified island underscores his strategy: complete insulation from the outside world, fortified by top-tier security, ensuring he and his family can weather any crisis in absolute privacy and comfort.
6. **Ronda Rousey: Browsey Acres, The Self-Sufficient Sanctuary**Ronda Rousey, the powerhouse former UFC and WWE fighter, isn’t just tough in the ring; she’s got a robust strategy for facing the end of the world, too! Unlike some who might focus purely on underground shelters, Rousey embodies a holistic approach to survival, proving that being a doomsday prepper can actually be a “very positive outlook on the world.” She’s not just talking the talk; she’s walking the walk right on her own property.
Together with her husband, Travis Browne, Rousey has cultivated “Browsey Acres,” a ranch in Riverside, California, that’s a true testament to self-sufficiency. This isn’t just a place to relax; it’s a fully operational homestead where they raise goats and chickens, ensuring a steady, reliable supply of fresh eggs, milk, and meat. Forget panic-buying at the grocery store; Rousey’s got her own farm-to-table solution locked down!
Her commitment goes far beyond a few farm animals. Rousey has openly shared glimpses of her impressive preparations on Instagram, showcasing thriving crops, substantial stores of frozen meat, massive water containers, and advanced solar batteries. It’s clear that ‘Browsey Acres’ isn’t just a quaint ranch; it’s a comprehensive, off-grid system designed to sustain them long-term, come what may. Talk about being ready for anything!
Rousey has even used her platform to advocate for preparedness, urging everyone to learn from global events like the pandemic. She champions self-sufficiency, highlighting how taking steps to live sustainably can save money, eliminate utility bills, reduce carbon footprint, and lead to a healthier lifestyle. For Ronda Rousey, surviving the apocalypse isn’t just about personal safety; it’s about embracing a proactive, sustainable, and utterly badass way of life.
7. **Joe Rogan: The Hunting Ranch Escape Plan**If you’ve ever tuned into “The Joe Rogan Experience,” you know the host isn’t shy about discussing, well, *everything* – and that includes how he plans to survive a doomsday scenario. Rogan, known for his diverse conversations ranging from comedy to martial arts, has revealed a very distinct and practical strategy for weathering the end times, which makes perfect sense for his brand of rugged individualism.
Joe Rogan’s strategy doesn’t involve hunkering down in a city bunker; instead, he plans to quickly evacuate Los Angeles for surrounding areas abundant in game and natural resources. He won’t be taking a Tesla for this exodus; his chosen “Apocalypse Mobile” is a formidable Toyota Land Cruiser, equipped with a massive 40-gallon gas tank, ensuring he can reach his destination far from urban chaos.
Of course, survival in the wilderness requires more than just a big gas tank. Rogan is candid about his intentions to bring a substantial arsenal of guns, bullets, bows, and arrows, recognizing the need to sustain himself and his family through hunting. His ultimate goal isn’t just personal escape, but the creation of a completely self-sufficient “hunting ranch”—a place where all the people he loves can exist and survive, should society truly collapse.
This isn’t just idle speculation for Rogan. He explains his pivot to doomsday prepping was sparked by real concerns during past crises in Los Angeles, realizing how lucky everyone got and how fragile supply chains truly are. His vision for a self-sufficient compound, stocked with everything needed to live off the land, underscores a deep-seated desire to ensure his community’s well-being, transforming his theoretical discussions into a very tangible survival strategy.
8. **Josh Duhamel: The Rustic Off-Grid Paradise**Josh Duhamel might be a Hollywood heartthrob, but don’t let the red-carpet glam fool you; this man looks (and actually is!) ready to live off the grid. He’s openly embraced a more rustic lifestyle than many of his Tinseltown peers, transforming a humble patch of land in North Dakota into an impressive, entirely self-sufficient lakeside compound. He even admits, quite plainly, “I’ve become a bit of a doomsday prepper, I guess.”
What began as a small, modest spot lacking even running water has transformed into Josh Duhamel’s ultimate doomsday cabin, now outfitted with serious survival technology. This includes a Starlink internet setup, acknowledging that even off-grid preppers might need connectivity, and a custom water filtration system, ensuring he is prepared for any doomsday scenario Mother Nature or societal collapse might present.
Duhamel isn’t just stocking up; he’s actively learning the skills required to thrive independently. He’s diving headfirst into hunting and fishing, clearly understanding that true self-sufficiency means more than just having supplies—it means knowing how to acquire them. “I’m building something so if things do go south, I have a place to take my family,” he shared, emphasizing the protective motivation behind his extensive preparations.
His property has expanded to an impressive 54 acres, now featuring two cabins, each with its own outhouse, although they thankfully also have proper plumbing! Beyond focusing solely on wild game, Duhamel is actively engaged in farming, having started with clover and chicory for deer and planning to grow pumpkins and corn this year, demonstrating a comprehensive prepping approach that blends modern technology with traditional self-reliance in a secluded North Dakota setting for his family’s ultimate safety.
In conclusion, from fortified islands to expansive, self-sufficient ranches, these A-listers are redefining preparedness, not just ready for the end of the world but planning to endure it in unparalleled style and comfort, proving that when disaster strikes, some individuals will experience the most comfortable apocalypse imaginable. While we might not receive an invitation to their exclusive bunkers, their elaborate preparations offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of celebrity doomsday prepping, showcasing a truly unique approach to survival.
