While most would agree that the current day and date theatrical/streaming strategy employed by major studios such as Disney/Marvel and Warner Bros. was brought about by necessity because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many within the industry have been against it from the start, and whichever way you choose to look it, it's clear that this model has negatively impacted box office takings.
At the end of the day, if the majority of people can watch a movie at home for free (or even fork out $30 for Disney+ Premiere Access), then that's what they're going to do - especially in the current climate.
Ahead of last night's CinemaCon presentation, Sony Pictures bosses Josh Greenstein and Tom Rothman reiterated the studio's “commitment to protecting and preserving the theatrical window” while taking a jab at the simultaneous theatrical/streaming model.
“Debuting movies simultaneously in theaters and in the home is devastating to our collective business,” began Greenstein. "Our movies will be seen exclusive first in our movie theaters. Movie theaters and the theatrical movie experience will triumph."
“Over the last 19 months there’s been a lot of doom and gloom,” he continued. “Without dismissing the very real challenges, we at Sony take a long-term view of the movie business.”
Rothman, who was taking a break from his vacation in Cape Cod, then weighed in, citing Disney/20th Century Studios' recent Free Guy as an example of a movie that's done solid business because it's a theatrical-only release.
“I saw Free Guy on Cape Cod,” Rothman told the crowd. “That film has done great business because, number one it’s terrific and number two, you actually can’t watch it at home on television! Go f***ing figure. You remember Bill Clinton and it’s ‘the economy stupid?’ It’s the window stupid! Yeah, we’re not too bright out in Hollywood but we’ll figure it out.”
What do you guys think? Would you like to see the day and date strategy become a thing of the past, or would you prefer if streaming was still an option going forward?