Trending 
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has held a rare face-to-face meeting with US cinema owners, signalling a potential shift in the long-standing tension between streaming platforms and traditional theatres.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of CinemaCon in Las Vegas, where representatives of Cinema United engaged Sarandos in what was described as a “constructive” discussion.
The group’s president, Michael O’Leary, confirmed that both sides are beginning to acknowledge the need for collaboration rather than competition.
“I think there’s a recognition that we need to look for ways in which we can help each other,” O’Leary said, highlighting a growing industry consensus that coexistence may be more viable than rivalry. He added that while both sides operate distinct business models, the objective is to identify “a sweet spot” where streaming and theatrical releases can complement each other.
Over the past decade, the rapid rise of streaming—driven largely by Netflix—has significantly impacted global box office revenues, as more audiences opt for home viewing. However, recent developments suggest a recalibration.
Streaming platforms have increasingly embraced limited theatrical releases, not only to generate buzz but also to meet eligibility criteria for major awards like the Oscars.
Despite the positive tone, O’Leary emphasised that discussions remain at an early stage, with no formal agreements reached. Still, he described Sarandos’ willingness to engage directly as a meaningful step forward.
“For him to fly out and talk with us, I think from that regard alone, it’s positive,” he noted.
While it may be premature to expect Netflix to fully participate in future CinemaCon showcases, O’Leary did not rule out the possibility. He suggested that if Netflix expands its theatrical footprint by releasing multiple films backed by strong marketing campaigns, the platform could eventually take a more prominent role in the cinema industry.
For now, the dialogue reflects a notable evolution in an industry once defined by sharp divisions, with both sides cautiously exploring a more collaborative future.
