Movies

Knives Out Creator Rian Johnson Battles Netflix Boss Over Theatrical Film Future

BBG News

Rian Johnson, who’s known for producing the Knives Out series and directing movies like Looper and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, has expressed his thoughts on Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos’ recent statement about theatrical releases. Contrary to Sarandos’ view that it’s an outdated idea, Johnson firmly believes that cinemas are here to stay, stating, “I don’t think theatrical is fading away.

According to a report by Business Insider, Johnson is actively marketing Season 2 of his Peacock series, Poker Face, and was questioned about his views on Sarandos’ remarks made at the Time100 Summit event. The controversial comment from Sarandos during this gathering was as follows:

Currently, we find ourselves in a phase of change. People used to dream about creating films that would be shown on massive screens, attracting audiences who would watch, weep, and pack theaters for weeks on end. However, such an experience is no longer commonplace.

The Academy Award-nominated director, despite working on the upcoming Netflix films “Glass Onion” and “Wake Up Dead Man,” expressed disagreements with Netflix’s CEO Ted Sarandos. These films are slated for release in 2025 and 2022 respectively.

It’s clear that I don’t agree, because I enjoy movies so much. I genuinely appreciate going to the cinema. However, discussing this topic with Ted would likely be a unique experience compared to quoting him and using his words in this specific context. Therefore, I’m not intending to present this as if I’m engaging in a debate with Ted here.

I believe the allure of theater isn’t fading. When there’s a film people are eager to watch, they will flock to cinemas. The feeling of being in a packed house and sharing that experience is irreplaceable, something I treasure deeply. I yearn for more of this unique, enriching atmosphere in our world.

Johnson isn’t retaliating directly, but rather, he’s simply being truthful about his passion for cinema and the cinematic experience. However, it’s also clear that a theatrical release is crucial for award season consideration, as both Knives Out movies have been recognized in the Best Screenplay categories (the original was nominated for Original Screenplay, while the sequel was nominated for Adapted Screenplay). Johnson didn’t explicitly mention this point, but instead, emphasized his desire for audiences to experience his film on the big screen.

My aim is to have this movie play in numerous cinemas for an extended period. We’ll strive to secure as much theater release as we can, because I want as many individuals as possible to experience it on the big screen.

“Profitability” Is a Horrendous, but Inevitable Subject

The current movie scene isn’t always steady or easy to foresee as audiences often choose to watch films at home instead of theaters due to digital platforms offering them quickly. Many people prefer the convenience of watching movies in their own homes, which can be cheaper. For original films not based on franchises or intellectual properties, the risk of underperforming at the box office is significantly higher.

While profitability may not always take center stage, it’s crucial to address it given that we’re dealing with a business model designed for everyone’s benefit. The success story of ‘Sinners’, an original horror movie earning over $200 million at the box office, underscores the importance of a successful theatrical run. However, this case is not the norm. Maybe it would be beneficial for Sarandos to ponder over investing more in the cinematic experience without being too fixated on award seasons. It’s worth noting that films need a theatrical release to qualify for FYC campaigns, and Netflix has theaters specifically for this purpose.

Read More

2025-05-05 03:08

Previous post Brent Oil Forecast
Next post Odin: Valhalla Rising: How to contact customer support service