Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has boldly stated that the streaming giant is "saving Hollywood," asserting that the traditional theater-going experience is "an outmoded idea for most people." During his appearance 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 movie-going experience for audiences. He emphasized Netflix's consumer-centric approach, saying, "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 expressing his personal appreciation for cinema outings, he maintained that for the majority, the concept of going to the theater is outdated. "I believe it is an outmoded idea, for most people," he clarified, "Not for everybody."
Given his position at Netflix, Sarandos's views align with the company's interests in promoting streaming over traditional cinema visits. Hollywood's challenges are well-known, with films like "Inside Out 2" and "A Minecraft Movie" attempting to bolster the industry, while even Marvel's once-reliable blockbusters are experiencing inconsistent success.
The notion that cinema attendance is becoming outdated has been echoed by others in the industry. Last year, actor Willem Dafoe lamented the shift towards home viewing, pointing out the loss of focused attention and the communal aspect of movie-going. "Which is tragic, because the kind of attention that people give at home isn’t the same," Dafoe remarked, highlighting the diminished engagement with more challenging films and the loss of social interaction around cinema experiences.
In 2022, filmmaker Steven Soderbergh discussed the future of movie theaters in the streaming era, suggesting that while theaters still hold appeal, the industry must focus on programming and engagement to maintain the cinema-going tradition. "I think people still want to go out," Soderbergh said, underscoring the allure of the theater as a destination. He stressed the importance of attracting and retaining older audiences, noting that the issue isn't merely about the timing of movie releases but about the overall experience.
