Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos in Mumbai | Photo credit: Vivek Bendra
In a recent interview new York TimesNetflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said last year’s blockbuster hits barbie And Oppenheimer Streaming platforms draw just as many viewers as theaters. Sarandos dismissed the notion that screen size affects a film’s success, saying, “There’s no reason to believe a film is better on any screen size.”
Sarandos’ comments come after both films earned impressive box office collections. barbieproduced by Warner Bros., grossed $1.44 billion globally, while Universal’s Oppenheimer grossed $951 million. The simultaneous release of these two films also gave birth to the cultural phenomenon known as ‘Barbenheimer’.
When asked if certain types of content might not be compatible with Netflix’s platform, Sarandos replied, “Both of those films would be great for Netflix. They would definitely have just as big an audience on Netflix.” His claim challenges the traditional notion that blockbuster films are best suited for theatrical release due to the immersive experience they offer on the big screen.
Sarandos elaborated on the adaptability of content to different viewing formats, highlighting that older classics are increasingly being watched by younger audiences on smaller devices. “My son is an editor. He’s 28 years old, and he watched Lawrence of Arabia “It was on his phone,” Sarandos said.
Discussing Netflix’s strategic direction following Scott Stuber’s departure as film chairman, Sarandos emphasized the continued success of the platform’s original content. He reaffirmed Netflix’s commitment to a diverse mix of first-window, second-window, and deep catalog films, saying, “We think this formula works best to entertain the world.”
