Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos has asserted that the streaming giant is "revitalizing Hollywood," arguing that movie theaters have become "outdated for most viewers."
During the Time100 Summit, Sarandos passionately defended Netflix's role in the industry despite major Hollywood changes - from production exoduses to shrinking theatrical windows and declining box office performances. "We're not disrupting Hollywood, we're preserving it," he told attendees, emphasizing Netflix's consumer-first philosophy. "We deliver content exactly how audiences want to experience it."
Addressing declining theater attendance, Sarandos posed: "What's the audience telling us? They prefer watching movies at home." While admitting he personally enjoys cinemas, he maintained that "for most people, theatergoing feels antiquated – though not for everyone."These views unsurprisingly come from the head of what's arguably the most dominant streaming platform. The company clearly benefits from promoting at-home viewing over theatrical experiences.
Hollywood's challenges continue to mount. Recent box office successes primarily come from family films like Inside Out 2 and video game adaptations such as the Minecraft movie, while previously reliable Marvel blockbusters now deliver inconsistent returns.
But are cinemas truly obsolete? Legendary actor Willem Dafoe recently lamented theater closures and shifting viewing habits: "It's tragic – home viewing doesn't command the same attention. Challenging films struggle when viewers can easily become distracted or disengage completely. I miss the cultural experience - seeing a film, discussing it over dinner, letting that conversation ripple outward. Today people skim through options saying 'Let's watch something mindless,' then abandon multiple films halfway through. Where's that cultural dialogue now?"
Acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh (Ocean's Eleven) offered his perspective back in 2022 about cinema's future in the streaming era. While acknowledging theaters' enduring appeal, he stressed the need to cultivate younger audiences: "People still enjoy the theatrical experience. The challenge is maintaining older audiences while attracting new generations. This isn't about release windows – it's about compelling programming and engagement."
Soderbergh remains optimistic about coexistence between streaming platforms and theaters: "Cinemas still offer a special destination experience. The key is convincing audiences that some stories demand the big screen."
