Netflix Chief Says Theatrical Model Is “Disconnected,” Teases Franchise Future For ‘Bright’

The media continues to frame the conversation around streaming as “Netflix v Amazon: And Also Those Other Companies” but the truth is that the two media giants couldn’t be more different. Netflix is currently operating around the globe and has tens of millions of more subscribers than Amazon, who still operate more or less like an independent distributor, and hardly have the international footprint in the streaming sphere as their so-called competitors.

Needless to say, when Variety brought up the “battle” between the two companies to Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos, he was baffled by the comparison. Even more, he believes that Amazon’s model, where they give films traditional theatrical rollouts, before they premiere on their service, runs counter to the audience’s desire to see something immediately.

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“I don’t think we compete with Amazon in the movie space at all,” Sarandos said. “I frankly don’t understand their strategy. I don’t understand why perpetuating a model that feels more and more disconnected with the population is good.”

Of course, Sarandos hears the criticism that’s coming from all sides about Netflix’s approach, with Christopher Nolan among those recently slamming the service. However, Sarandos takes it in stride, and even notes he saw “Dunkirk” in theaters.

“I think he’s a great filmmaker,” he said. “He should make and release his movies however he sees fit. I hope he’ll want to do it with us someday.”

However, Sarandos won’t be changing how Netflix does business, and even wants to create four blockbuster “must-see events” each year, that you can only watch on the service. Beyond that, Netflix may even have its first movie series with David Ayer‘s “Bright” starring Will Smith.

“It certainly has franchise potential,” Sarandos said.

While it might not sound like it, Sarandos is all about choice, even if he doesn’t understand the industry’s iron grip on the currrent theatrical model. For his customers, he wants to give them content right away, rather than waiting out an increasingly outmoded framework of release windows. If Amazon and other players want to stick with those templates, that’s fine, just don’t expect Sarandos to get excited about it.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments section.