After Netflix’s CEO Called Theatrical Movie Releases An ‘Outdated Concept,’ Knives Out 3 Director Rian Johnson Weighed In

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It’s clear that how people consume media, particularly movies, is evolving, with a significant shift taking place. This evolution has sparked a discussion on whether it would be beneficial for films to debut on streaming platforms instead of cinemas. Netflix executive Ted Sarandos, known for his support of streaming, recently expressed the view that traditional theaters are no longer relevant. However, filmmaker Rian Johnson, whose movie “Knives Out 3” will stream later this year, has since weighed in on this topic.

What Did Ted Sarandos Say About The Current Role Of Movie Theaters?

Over the past few years, a diverse range of Netflix originals such as “Red Notice”, “Enola Holmes”, “Don’t Look Up!”, and “Extraction” have been added to Netflix subscribers’ viewing options. Critical response to these films has fluctuated, but they’ve undeniably attracted enormous viewership for the company. At a recent Time100 Summit, Ted Sarandos openly discussed the increasing influence of streaming platforms, expressing his thoughts about traditional cinemas during an interview that can be found on YouTube.

It has become clear that we are experiencing a significant shift in our industry. For years, many of us harbored dreams of creating movies for large screens, captivating audiences who would watch and react emotionally, with sold-out shows lasting two months. However, such experiences aren’t as frequent nowadays. This traditional approach seems outdated.

The businessman additionally expressed doubts about the notion presented earlier being outdated for all, as he personally appreciates theaters. Nevertheless, he strongly endorses the idea that the rising trends and worldwide box office receipts suggest consumers favor watching movies at home. In light of this, he feels his company is playing a crucial role in preserving Hollywood by adapting to shifts in the entertainment industry. However, it’s worth noting that one filmmaker he collaborates with holds an opposing viewpoint.

How Did Rian Johnson Respond To Ted Sarandos’ Comments?

Rian Johnson, in discussions about the latest season of Poker Face with Business Insider, addressed comments from a fellow professional. He diplomatically selected his words yet clarified his perspective on the role of cinemas in film viewing.

Clearly, my preference lies with movies, as I enjoy watching them immensely. Conversing with Ted might be different, but here, discussing movies isn’t like exchanging quotes. Instead, if a film people desire is presented in cinemas, they will attend, and the shared experience of being in a packed theater is something that I cherish deeply. This aspect adds richness to my world, and I yearn for more of it.

The director of “Looper” has consistently expressed his affection for cinemas, which remains evident as he creates a series of mystery movies. This passion persists as we approach the release of his 2025 film, “Wake Up Dead Man.” Its star, Daniel Craig, has been open about desiring more “Knives Out” sequels to grace the screens of movie theaters and enjoy a successful run. Craig lamented that the films don’t get extended theatrical runs, and at this stage, Rian Johnson is hoping for a different outcome with his new film: namely, a longer theatrical release for “Wake Up Dead Man.

I aim to have this shown in numerous cinemas for an extended period, as I believe the most people should experience it on the big screen. We plan to strive for maximum exposure during its theatrical run.

As a movie enthusiast, I get where both sides of this argument are coming from. It’s undeniable that there are many folks who opt for the convenience of watching movies at home. Yet, in 2025, it’s clear that there’s still a significant number of us who are choosing to head out to theaters. The blockbuster earnings of “Sinners” and “A Minecraft Movie” serve as proof that cinemas are far from obsolete.

In summary, Ted Sarandos and Rian Johnson each have valid viewpoints, but what truly piques my interest is the potential length of time Wake Up Dead Man will remain in theaters. Given that its prequel, 2022’s Glass Onion, played for a week and earned an impressive $15 million – making it the widest theatrical opening for a Netflix film, it’s reasonable to expect news about the release strategy for Johnson’s upcoming movie to surface sooner than later.

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2025-05-03 21:11