Netflix film chief Dan Lin has reiterated the streaming giant's long-standing position that it will not partner with filmmakers who insist on traditional theatrical releases for their projects. “There is a group of filmmakers who still want theatrical. Those are filmmakers that we have accepted we just won’t work with," he has been quoted as saying.
Lin's comments sparked debate online, with some viewers arguing that Netflix no longer prioritizes cinematic prestige. One netizen wrote that the company “won the streaming wars” and now focuses on producing content that keeps subscribers engaged rather than pursuing traditional Hollywood recognition.
Others criticized the policy from a creative standpoint. A netizen commented that while Netflix says it supports filmmakers, refusing theatrical releases removes “a huge part of the movie experience,” adding that not every story is meant to premiere at home.
Some reactions were more critical of the company overall. One netizen alleged that Netflix's long-term goals include "undermining theatrical exhibition, promoting ideological messaging, and replacing human talent with artificial intelligence".
