Michael B. Jordan Champions Cinemas as Netflix-Warner Bros. Shake-Up Looms

Michael B. Jordan has stepped into the ongoing debate surrounding the recent agreement between Netflix and Warner Bros., a move that has unsettled many in the film industry. The acquisition, which hands a streaming behemoth the reins to a major studio, has sparked concerns about the future of traditional film distribution. With Netflix reportedly planning to cut the window for cinema releases to a mere 17 days, the implications for cinemas and those whose livelihoods depend on them are hard to ignore.

During a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Jordan was quizzed about the ramifications of the deal, especially as his own forthcoming project, a new take on The Thomas Crown Affair, is being developed with Amazon MGM Studios. Despite his involvement with streaming platforms, Jordan made his position clear: he is firmly in favour of films being shown in cinemas. "Movies need to be seen on a big screen," he insisted, adding that this is what gives cinema its unique appeal.

The Communal Pull of the Big Screen

Jordan, known for his roles in Sinners and Creed, elaborated on what draws him to the cinema experience:

"As long as the care of film and cinema is a priority at the forefront, that's what I feel is most important right now as an actor, as a director. Movies need to be seen on a big screen. That communal experience is what makes Sinners so great, [what makes] One Battle After Another so great, [what makes] Marty Supreme so great. What makes all these movies so great is that you get a chance to go to theater with people and watch it and have a moment to laugh together, to cry together, to cheer together. That's why I love going to movies is for those storytelling experiences. That's the priority. All the other business stuff is a little bit beyond me."

While he admits the business side is not his main concern, Jordan’s passion for the shared experience of cinema is unmistakable. He joins a growing list of actors and filmmakers who have spoken out about the importance of keeping films in cinemas, rather than relegating them to streaming platforms alone.

Industry Heavyweights Join the Chorus

The significance of the Netflix and Warner Bros. deal is not lost on those within the industry. The shift towards prioritising streaming releases over cinema runs has prompted a wave of responses from high-profile figures. James Cameron, the director behind Avatar and the first to helm four consecutive films grossing over $1 billion, recently weighed in:

"I happen to think that there's something sacred about the movie-going experience and just the ease and broad access of streaming is not the complete answer. Maybe the universe adjusts around those two principles, but you can't just steamroll theatrical out of existence, and I'm going to stay opposed to that."

Jack Black, known for his comedic flair and recent work on the Anaconda reboot, echoed similar sentiments. In a recent interview, he reflected on the uncertain future of cinemas:

"I'm proud to be in a movie that really plays with live audiences in a big theater, and the premiere was super fun in that way. And I cherish these moments even more now, I'm like, 'Are we in the last days of theater?'"

Uncertain Times for Cinemas

Black’s musings on the possible decline of cinemas highlight the anxieties many in the industry are feeling. The Netflix-Warner Bros. deal has left a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the future of film releases, with the prospect of shorter cinema runs and a heavier emphasis on streaming. As more actors like Jordan publicly back the traditional cinema experience, the debate over the direction of the industry shows no sign of abating.