Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has boldly claimed that the streaming giant is "saving Hollywood," asserting that the traditional theatergoing experience is becoming outdated for the majority of viewers. Speaking at the Time100 Summit, Sarandos defended Netflix's role in the industry, despite the ongoing exodus of production from Los Angeles, the shrinking theatrical window, and the declining quality of the cinema experience. He emphasized Netflix's consumer-centric approach, stating, "We deliver the program to you in a way you want to watch it."
Addressing the slump in box office sales, Sarandos posed a rhetorical question: "What is the consumer trying to tell us? That they’d like to watch movies at home." While he expressed a personal fondness for movie theaters, he downplayed their overall relevance, saying, "I believe it is an outmoded idea, for most people. Not for everybody."
Given Sarandos's position at the helm of Netflix, his views align with the company's interests in promoting streaming over traditional cinema visits. Hollywood's challenges are well-known, with family films like "Inside Out 2" and video game adaptations such as "A Minecraft Movie" helping to sustain the industry. Even Marvel movies, once guaranteed blockbusters, are now experiencing inconsistent success.
The debate over the relevance of movie theaters continues. Last year, actor Willem Dafoe lamented the shift towards home viewing, calling it "tragic" because the level of attention given to films at home differs significantly from that in theaters. He highlighted the social aspect of cinema-going, which he feels is lost when people watch movies at home, often distractedly flipping through options without engaging deeply with the content.
In 2022, filmmaker Steven Soderbergh offered his perspective on the future of movie theaters in the streaming era. He acknowledged the enduring appeal of the cinematic experience but stressed the importance of attracting younger audiences to ensure the longevity of theaters. Soderbergh emphasized the need for thoughtful programming and engagement strategies to keep the cinema-going tradition alive, noting that the appeal of theaters as a destination remains strong. He believes that the future of theaters hinges on their ability to draw in and retain older audiences, rather than solely on the timing of movie releases.
