Netflix’s Streaming-First Stance, Theatrical-First Filmmakers Declined

Netflix Films chairman Dan Lin told The New York Times the streamer will not work with directors who demand a theatrical-first release. “There is a group of filmmakers who still want theatrical. Those are filmmakers that we’ve accepted we just won’t work with,” Lin said, emphasizing a streaming-first model for Netflix.

Netflix Prioritizes Streaming Over Theaters, Won’t Work With Directors Who Demand It

Lin replaced Scott Stuber as head of Netflix Films in early 2024. Stuber had pursued theatrical collaborations, courting directors like Christopher Nolan and even considering a Warner Bros. acquisition. Lin’s tenure pivots to a consistent streaming-first approach, emphasizing mid-budget comedies, rom-coms and book adaptations.

Netflix Prioritizes Streaming Over Theaters, Won’t Work With Directors Who Demand It

Dan Lin articulates the policy; co-CEO Ted Sarandos calls Netflix’s role “saving Hollywood.” Exceptions include Greta Gerwig’s *Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew*, slated for a full theatrical release in February 2027, and David Fincher’s sequel to *Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood*, opening in IMAX for two weeks before streaming on December 23, 2026.

Deadline Hollywood

The streaming-first model is supported by recent metrics. *People We Meet on Vacation*, a romantic-comedy adaptation, earned over 17 million views in its opening weekend. Netflix’s first box-office No. 1 came from *K-Pop Demon Hunters*, which grossed $19 million in a two-day theatrical run. Limited cinema releases for titles such as Guillermo Del Toro’s *Frankenstein* and Rian Johnson’s *Wake Up Dead Man* have drawn modest audiences.

Deadline Hollywood

Lin said Netflix can shape production but will not impose personal taste, aiming to make “someone’s favorite movie in a specific genre” and be “the best place for filmmakers to work.” He confirmed limited theatrical windows for high-profile titles will continue, but the streaming-first strategy remains unchanged. Sarandos added Netflix is “saving Hollywood” and affirmed there is “no change in the strategy” on theatrical distribution.

Deadline Hollywood

Observers note that Lin’s stance widens the divide between streaming platforms and directors who view theatrical releases as essential for prestige and awards. The policy reverses Stuber’s earlier openness to collaborations with auteurs such as Christopher Nolan. Some filmmakers and exhibitors fear the approach may limit opportunities for prestige projects and reduce theatrical diversity, even as Netflix continues occasional limited releases for marquee titles.

Netflix Prioritizes Streaming Over Theaters, Won’t Work With Directors Who Demand It

• “There is a group of filmmakers who still want theatrical. Those are filmmakers that we’ve accepted we just won’t work with.” — Dan Lin, Netflix Films chairman

Netflix Prioritizes Streaming Over Theaters, Won’t Work With Directors Who Demand It

• “One mistake I made when I first joined the company was that filmmakers always said to me, 'Please tell me the truth,' Lin said.” — Dan Lin, Netflix Films chairman

IGN Entertainment

• “there’s no change in the strategy” — Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO

Deadline Hollywood

• “saving Hollywood.” — Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO

IGN Entertainment

Lin says Netflix will keep its streaming-first model through 2027, with only select high-budget titles like Gerwig’s *Narnia* and Fincher’s sequel receiving limited theatrical windows. The company will expand its mid-budget comedy and romance slate while monitoring subscriber response to occasional cinema releases.

Deadline Hollywood