Phenomenon Barbenheimer was one of the greatest film events of 2023, Barbie And Oppenheimer captivating audiences for weeks in cinemas around the world. However, Ted Sarandos, co-CEO Netflixbelieves both films would have been equally successful if released directly on their streaming platform.
In an interview with New York Timesthe director emphasized that these two films they would have “just as big an audience” on Netflix. And if history were measured only by viewership, it’s likely that Sarandos would be right. However, from an economic point of view the situation is completely different.
Barbie It was the highest-grossing film of 2023, grossing over $1.445 billion worldwide. Oppenheimer, meanwhile, finished third on the list and earned more than $974 million. It seems counterintuitive to think that Netflix and the studios behind both films could achieve similar numbers through exclusive streaming releases. The platform will have to add a huge number of new subscribers to achieve a differentiated economic impact as important as the combined box office receipts of both films.
Of course, we’re traveling through speculation territory, and it’s clear that Sarandos is protecting his business. Netflix’s co-CEO says that as long as a movie is good and engaging, it doesn’t matter what screen it’s on. One way or another, responsibility for success will be placed on the public.
“Both films would be great for Netflix. They would definitely get an equally large audience on Netflix. I don’t think there is any reason to believe that certain types of films work or not. There is no reason to believe that the film itself is better on the same screen size [en especial] for all people. My son is an editor, he is 28 years old, and he saw Lawrence of Arabia on your mobile phone,” he said. Barbie And Oppenheimer.
Netflix CEO Renews ‘Movies vs. Streaming’ Debate with Barbie And Oppenheimer
As we already mentioned, Ted Sarandos presents his argument in terms of viewership. Although his thoughts go against the belief that movies are better watched in a theater than in front of a TV, tablet or smartphone, he is sure to find a few critics.
An extremely detailed director like Christopher Nolan, who in Oppenheimer went to the trouble of recreating a nuclear explosion without the use of digital effects, you probably disagree with the Netflix executive’s comments. In fact, the Brit insisted that the best way to enjoy his film was to watch the 70mm IMAX version.
Tom Cruise there may be one more who disagrees with what the Netflix executive said. The actor decided to postpone the premiere of the film Top Shot: Maverick because he thought it was sending it to streaming will ruin its viewing experience. And his bet paid off handsomely. The film was a global success, and many believe Cruise’s stance saved the film industry after the pandemic.
Netflix and other streaming platforms have seen sharp growth during COVID-19, especially thanks to original productions. But now they are paying the consequences. A few days ago, it was reported that Pixar had laid off 14% of its staff to refocus on theatrical releases. As such, Disney will stop creating original films and TV series for Disney+, with the exception of the occasional short film, to focus on the big screen and bring back some of the luster that has been lost in recent years.
Although Sarandos is right and Barbie And Oppenheimer would have achieved audience success on Netflix similar to what they had in the movies – not to mention the collection – a phenomenon Barbenheimer It probably would never have existed. And the effect it had on the public and the industry was much deeper than simple statistics based on the number of viewers.
Source: Hiper Textual
