Netflix CEO Calls Movie Theaters Outdated

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has boldly asserted that the streaming giant is "preserving Hollywood's future," simultaneously dismissing traditional moviegoing as "largely outdated" for modern audiences.

The Streaming Revolution Debate

Speaking at the Time100 Summit, Sarandos defended Netflix's impact despite industry challenges like production exodus from Los Angeles, shrinking theatrical windows, and declining audience engagement with cinemas. "We're not harming Hollywood - we're revitalizing it," he stated, emphasizing Netflix's consumer-first approach: "We deliver content directly to viewers in their preferred format."

Regarding sliding box office numbers, Sarandos posed: "What do these trends communicate? Audiences increasingly prefer home viewing." While acknowledging his personal appreciation for theaters, he maintained: "The theatrical model has become obsolete for most people - though not everyone."

These remarks align with Netflix's business priorities, unsurprisingly championing streaming over traditional exhibition.

The Changing Landscape of Film Consumption

Hollywood's theatrical challenges are evident. While family films like Inside Out 2 and game adaptations like A Minecraft Movie perform strongly, even Marvel's once-guaranteed blockbusters now see inconsistent results.

Veteran actor Willem Dafoe recently lamented this shift: "The concentrated attention of theatrical viewing is disappearing alongside cinemas themselves. Home viewing often means fragmented attention - starting multiple films without finishing any. We're losing the cultural dialogue that surrounded cinema."

Industry Leaders Weigh In

Acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh (Ocean's Eleven) offered a nuanced perspective in 2022: "The theatrical experience maintains its appeal, but sustainability depends on cultivating younger audiences over time. Success hinges not on release windows but on compelling programming and engagement strategies."

Soderbergh remains optimistic: "People still desire communal experiences. Cinemas remain wonderful destinations when we give audiences compelling reasons to visit."