The Streaming Debate: A Divided Industry
The entertainment industry is currently at a turning point, as traditional theatrical releases clash with the rise of digital streaming platforms. At the 2025 Time100 Summit, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos stirred controversy when he stated that movie theaters are an “outdated concept.” According to Sarandos, the old model of releasing films in theaters for extended runs no longer fits the habits of modern consumers. He noted that most people now prefer the convenience of watching new releases at home on their own schedule, especially since access to multiplexes can be limited in smaller towns and rural areas.
He emphasized this point further, saying, “If you’re fortunate enough to live in Manhattan and can walk to a theater, great. Most people can’t.” For Netflix, streaming offers a way to democratize content access by removing the barriers of geography, cost, and time. This mindset has driven Netflix’s strategy of prioritizing immediate availability on its platform, often skipping wide theatrical releases entirely. While the business case for streaming is strong, not everyone in the industry agrees that theaters should be left behind.
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Rian Johnson Strongly Defends Theatrical Experience
Rian Johnson, the acclaimed director behind Looper, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and the Knives Out franchise, has made it clear that he doesn’t share Sarandos view. For Johnson, the idea that theaters are obsolete is not just wrong—it’s harmful to the art of filmmaking. In an interview with Business Insider, he stated, “Obviously, I don’t [agree]. Because I love movies. I love going to see movies.”
Johnson described the emotional and communal value of watching a film on the big screen. For him, there’s nothing like being in a packed theater, surrounded by people laughing, gasping, and reacting together. He believes this immersive experience cannot be replicated through home viewing, no matter how large the screen or advanced the sound system may be. Johnson views theaters as not just places to watch movies but as cultural institutions that bring people together. His passion has fueled the ongoing discussion around Rian Johnson theatrical releases as more than just entertainment—they’re cinematic events that deserve a proper stage.
Knives Out Sequel ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ Aims for Theaters
Johnson’s next film, Wake Up Dead Man, is the third installment in the Knives Out mystery series. Featuring Daniel Craig reprising his role as detective Benoit Blanc, the film is already building significant anticipation. While Netflix owns the rights to the franchise, Johnson has been vocal about his desire for this new entry to receive a broad theatrical rollout. “I want this in as many theaters for as long as possible,” he said in the same interview. “We’re going to push for everything we can get in terms of theatrical.”
This isn’t the first time Johnson has championed the big screen. Even with Netflix’s involvement, he pushed for a limited theatrical run for Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery in 2022, which turned out to be a box office success despite its brief release. Johnson’s consistent efforts demonstrate how seriously he takes the theater experience, especially for films that offer suspense, visual storytelling, and audience interaction. He’s determined that Rian Johnson theatrical releases maintain their integrity and reach viewers in the environment they were designed for.
Box Office Still Proves Movie Theaters Work
Despite predictions about the death of cinema, recent box office numbers suggest otherwise. Films like Top Gun: Maverick, Barbie, and Oppenheimer have grossed hundreds of millions globally, reigniting public interest in theaters. According to Johnson, this is proof that audiences are still willing to leave their homes for the right cinematic experience. “Theatrical is not going anywhere,” he said. “If you put a movie people want to see in the theaters, they will show up for it.”
Johnson believes that the success of these films reinforces the need for studios and streaming platforms to support theatrical releases. He argues that quality films with unique voices will always find an audience, provided they’re given a proper platform. Rian Johnson theatrical releases, therefore, aren’t just a nostalgic wish—they are backed by hard data and audience behavior. This insight strengthens his case for why films like Wake Up Dead Man deserve a traditional release.
Sarandos Focus: Accessibility and Modern Viewing Habits
On the other side of the debate, Ted Sarandos isn’t denying that movie theaters offer something special. However, he views their value as niche rather than essential. In his remarks, Sarandos acknowledged the nostalgia and emotional pull of theaters but argued that widespread access should take priority. “We’re saving Hollywood,” he claimed, referring to Netflix’s ability to produce and release a high volume of content to a global audience without the delays or costs tied to theatrical runs.
For Sarandos, the appeal of streaming lies in its ability to level the playing field. Audiences in smaller cities and less affluent areas can access new films at the same time as those in major urban centers. He believes that the future of entertainment depends on reaching the widest audience possible, regardless of geography. While this logic works well for series and smaller films, directors like Johnson argue that large-scale cinematic stories deserve more than just digital premieres. That’s why Rian Johnson theatrical releases continue to challenge the current status quo.
A Broader Battle in Hollywood
The disagreement between Rian Johnson and Netflix represents a much larger conversation within the film industry. Other prominent directors like Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, and Denis Villeneuve have echoed Johnson’s views, warning that the shift to streaming-first models could damage long-term cinematic culture. They argue that theaters provide a context and reverence for film that streaming platforms cannot replicate.
Studios are now forced to balance business efficiency with artistic integrity. While streaming offers scalability and convenience, directors like Johnson are urging the industry not to abandon traditional distribution altogether. As Rian Johnson theatrical releases gain more support, it’s clear this conversation will shape the future of how—and where—we watch movies.
Can Both Models Coexist?
Rian Johnson doesn’t believe this debate has to be an either/or scenario. Instead, he envisions a hybrid future where theatrical releases and streaming complement one another. He recognizes the benefits of streaming—especially when it comes to accessibility and reaching global audiences—but remains firm that the cinema experience should always come first.
“I want people to watch at home too,” he said. “But the big-screen experience should never be lost.” This balanced approach may offer a path forward for filmmakers, streaming companies, and audiences alike. As long as platforms remain open to theatrical partnerships, Rian Johnson theatrical releases can continue to thrive in both worlds—preserving tradition while embracing change.
The Fight to Save Cinemas
Rian Johnson remains one of the most vocal advocates for preserving the theatrical experience in a rapidly digitizing world. While Netflix pushes forward with its streaming-first strategy, Johnson continues to highlight the magic of theaters and their irreplaceable role in storytelling. His passion for cinema has made him a leading figure in the movement to ensure theaters remain part of the cultural conversation.
By championing Rian Johnson theatrical releases, he’s not only defending his own work but advocating for the entire filmmaking community. As the release of Wake Up Dead Man approaches, all eyes will be on how Netflix responds—and whether theaters still have a place in the future of film.
