David Fincher’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ Sequel Marks a Major Change for Netflix Movies
It seems that the war between streaming services and movie theaters could soon be a thing of the past. Netflix, one of the biggest platforms that has dominated the streaming industry and was among the first to make a name for itself with original content, has long had disputes and disagreements with AMC, a theater chain that prides itself on the communal experience of going to the movies. Now, the two have now seemingly come to an initial agreement, with plans for Netflix to release some of their biggest upcoming releases at AMC, a company that has rarely released the streamer’s original films on their screens.
In a new report from Variety, it’s been revealed that in addition to projects like the Stranger Things finale screening at AMC theaters and Greta Gerwig’s Narnia movie getting a premium IMAX release, other Netflix originals will be getting the theatrical treatment. Specifically, the report states that David Fincher’s upcoming film Adventures of Cliff Booth will be given a “more robust rollout” in theaters compared to past Netflix movies. Fincher’s film is a sequel to Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 movie Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood, and has been the subject of much anticipation and excitement.
Given how important movie theaters are to filmmakers like Tarantino and Fincher, it’s unsurprising that the upcoming Cliff Booth film will be getting a large-scale theatrical distribution. Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood made waves when it was first released, grossing $377 million worldwide against an estimated budget of $96 million. The film also won Brad Pitt an Oscar for best supporting actor, as well as an Oscar for Best Production Design. As Netflix continues to push big awards contenders, putting the Hollywood sequel on as many screens as possible makes plenty of sense, especially with all the prestige talent that is behind the project.
Netflix’s Partnership With AMC Could Lead to New Relevance for Their Original Films
Margaret Qualley & Brad Pitt in Once Upon a Time in HollywoodSony Pictures Releasing
Despite the fact that Netflix and AMC are finally coming to an agreement for theatrical distribution, it is too little too late for some of the big releases that are due to land on the streaming platform within the next few months. One particularly big release is Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, which Variety revealed will not be getting a wide theatrical release, but instead a smaller rollout so that it can qualify for Awards season. Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is also receiving a small release, with some complaints about the lack of access to the director’s ambitious adaptation.
With this new partnership, there’s more of a likelihood that Netflix original films will now not only get more recognition, but could also help AMC theater chains find newfound relevance. The theater is about to see the first benefits of this new partnership with the upcoming re-release of K-Pop Demon Hunters. While streaming services and theaters may have first been at odds with each other, the future looks bright for the theatrical landscape with newfound determination by Netflix to get their projects to be a part of the communal experience. With an estimated release date of summer 2026, The Adventures of Cliff Booth should be a fun event film to look forward to next year.
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Release Date
July 26, 2019
Runtime
159 minutes
