Netflix CEO: Going to Theaters Outmoded, Saving Hollywood

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos recently declared at the Time100 Summit that Netflix is "saving Hollywood," emphasizing the company's consumer-focused approach. He argued that Netflix delivers content in the way consumers prefer, highlighting a shift towards watching movies at home. Despite acknowledging his personal enjoyment of cinema, Sarandos believes that theatergoing is "an outmoded idea for most people."

This stance aligns with Netflix's business interests, promoting streaming as the future of film consumption. Hollywood has been facing challenges, with box office performance fluctuating even for traditionally successful franchises like Marvel. Meanwhile, films like "Inside Out 2" and "A Minecraft Movie" are holding up the industry.

The debate over the relevance of movie theaters continues, with actor Willem Dafoe expressing concerns about the diminishing communal experience of cinema. He lamented the loss of the social aspect of movie-watching, which he feels is crucial for deeper, more challenging films that require focused attention. Dafoe noted that the casual, distracted way many people watch movies at home does not foster the same level of engagement and discourse as a theater setting.

Filmmaker Steven Soderbergh has also weighed in on the future of movie theaters in the streaming era. He believes that while there is still an appeal to the cinematic experience, the industry must focus on programming and engagement to keep attracting audiences. Soderbergh emphasized the importance of convincing younger audiences to continue visiting theaters as they age, suggesting that the allure of movie theaters as a social destination remains significant.