This pandemic caused a dramatic change in the film industry, but the director is skeptical that it will last: “Are studios really going to give up billion-dollar movies just to fund their streaming service?”
The pandemic caused a radical shift in the movie business, but filmmaker Patty Jenkins is skeptical that the day-and-date plan would hold, despite the judgments of industry experts and studio executives worldwide. “I don’t think it’s going to last,” the director informed THR on her June 24 visit to the rebuilt Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, which is home to a new exhibit highlighting Jenkins’ Wonder Woman 1984, which aired in theatres and on HBO Max at the same time.
“Streaming is amazing, but everyone is chasing it for financial reasons, and I don’t think there is enough financial backing to keep the industry going the way it is,” she said. “It would have been one issue if it was just Netflix, but now every other corporation has streaming services. People aren’t going to sign up for that number. Is it realistic to expect studios to forego billion-dollar films in order to fund their streaming platform? It doesn’t make economic sense, in my opinion. I see a revival of the theatre, yet both will and should coexist. People love going to the theaters. It’s not that individuals can’t watch movies at home. We’ve always had the ability to view movies at home. It’s not a new phenomenon. I believe it is making a comeback.”
Jenkins went to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood to help publicize the redesigned event, which resumed to the world on June 26. Amongst these new features are the following: A “Storytelling Showcase” detailing Warner Bros.’ progression throughout its almost 100-year history; “Action and Magic Made Here,” a spectacular finale event incorporating the DC Universe, Harry Potter, and Fantastic Beasts properties. Special updates and mementos have been added to the Studio Store. A Friends experience with a renovated Central Perk and Friends boutique is nearby.