Lights, camera, controversy! Could ‘Hit Man’ make a killing at the box office? It’s the burning question Netflix doesn’t want you to uncover. Join me as we dive into the shadows of the film industry and uncover the truth behind this potential blockbuster. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of suspense, drama, and maybe a hint of scandal. Are you ready to unravel the mystery?
Next week, on June 7, the highly anticipated and critically acclaimed screwball romantic thriller, ‘Hit Man’, starring the ever-charming Glen Powell, drops on Netflix. But before you settle into your couch for a movie night, did you know that ‘Hit Man’ also opened in theaters last weekend? If you blinked, you might have missed it. The coverage is so scant that you’d need more than your fingers and toes to keep count.
Netflix’s Shadowy Theatrical Releases
Netflix, much like a magician, enjoys making its movies “appear” in theaters. Most of us in bustling cities like New York and L.A. occasionally spot these elusive flicks in the wild and think, “Wow, there it is! In theaters.” But let’s be honest, you could squeeze the entire audience of Netflix’s theatrical releases into a minuscule venue. Since acquiring ‘Hit Man’ at the Venice Film Festival last September for a whopping $20 million, Netflix had already sealed its fate as a streaming movie.
The Conundrum of Streaming Viewership Numbers
One can’t help but ponder: Just how many people will actually watch ‘Hit Man’ on Netflix? Netflix is notoriously tight-lipped about its viewership numbers, often leaving us to guess. What’s more alarming is the silence that typically follows the release of such films. When ‘Hit Man’ starts streaming next weekend, will it create the buzz necessary to become a household name? Or will it, much like a tree falling in an empty forest, make no sound at all?
The Vanishing Act of Films in Netflix’s Ocean
Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-CEO, envisions his company as the future of entertainment. However, when it comes to movies, or at least those high-profile quality films that once ignited our imaginations, Netflix resembles more of a Bermuda Triangle where these films go to disappear. Imagine ‘Hit Man’ being released by a conventional studio; could it have been a massive box-office hit? Given Glen Powell’s rising stardom and the film’s raving reviews, ‘Hit Man’ had all the makings of a solid mid-level performer.
Why Mid-Level Hits Still Matter
In an era where Hollywood yearns for megahits, we must not neglect the significance of mid-sized successes. The pressure to produce blockbusters has, in many ways, overshadowed the value of modestly budgeted films that resonate with niche audiences. Movies like ‘Hit Man’ could thrive in theaters, proving that not every film needs to be a colossal hit to be valuable.
Netflix’s Strategy: Victory or Defeat for Cinema?
For Sarandos, showcasing ‘Hit Man’ on Netflix is a triumph. Yet, for the wider film industry, it’s a missed opportunity. Consider other Netflix acquisitions like ‘Fair Play,’ ‘The Killer,’ and ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.’ These films might have been theatrical hits, enriching the industry and reigniting audience interest in cinemas.
The Importance of Movie Culture
One might argue that the future of the film industry hinges on hundreds of modest successes rather than sporadic mega-hits. It’s about creating a sustainable movie culture that encourages audiences to see theaters as places of possibility. Ted Sarandos recognizes the importance of this, yet also appears to have an interest in making theaters seem less essential.
Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant?
While Netflix has invested in cinemas like the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles and the Paris Theater in New York, the underlying message from Sarandos seems contradictory. In a recent interview with the New York Times, he suggested that movies like ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Barbie’ would have garnered just as much viewership on Netflix. Yet, the communal and sensory experience of watching a film on the big screen is irreplaceable.
Conclusion: Is Streaming Killing the Movie Star?
As we await ‘Hit Man’s’ debut on Netflix, it’s crucial to consider its potential had it been released as a conventional studio film. While Netflix continues to reshape the industry, the magic of the silver screen should not be relegated to the annals of history. It’s evident that movies like ‘Hit Man’ still have the potential to make a significant impact at the box office—if given the chance.