As Netflix continues to reshape the film industry, recent box office successes illustrate the evolving landscape of filmmaking and distribution. The platform titans are increasingly clashing with filmmakers over the release strategies of their films. One prominent example is director Greta Gerwig, whose recent involvement with The Chronicles of Narnia has sparked conversation about the future of cinematic releases from streaming platforms.
Netflix has been making strategic moves, allowing limited theatrical releases for specific films, which can qualify for prestigious awards like the Oscars. This pivot aims to appeal to studios and filmmakers, who often desire traditional release methods to ensure their films reach wide audiences. This not only enhances their visibility but secures their eligibility for award nominations. However, there remains a complex relationship between the streaming giant and film creators as many projects bypass theaters entirely.
Adding to this conversation is the unexpected success of the film Carry-On, which premiered around Christmas 2024. Starring Taron Egerton, the film amassed a whopping 172 million views, making it Netflix’s second most-watched film, just behind Red Notice. According to Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos, the buzz generated by Carry-On was reminiscent of major cinema hits. He recalled a conversation with legendary director Steven Spielberg, who remarked, “It felt to me like if it was a hit in theaters. I heard the way everyone was talking about it, and that’s exactly what you feel when a movie is successful!” This statement underscores how streaming films can create the same excitement as traditional cinema, even if not viewed in theaters.
Netflix and Amblin Entertainment's partnership, formed in 2021, has also stirred significant interest. The collaboration has led to noteworthy films such as Maestro and The Trial of the Chicago 7. However, neither of these projects has matched the popularity of Carry-On. The question now lies in the future of their joint endeavors.
All eyes are on the upcoming project titled The Thursday Murder Club, set to release in 2025. This adaptation of Richard Osman’s novel features an impressive ensemble cast, including Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley, David Tennant, and Jonathan Pryce. Directed by Chris Columbus—known for classics like Harry Potter and Home Alone—this comedy mystery promises an enticing storyline. The plot revolves around a group of friends in a retirement home who engage in amateur sleuthing, inadvertently becoming embroiled in a real murder case. While Netflix has not yet revealed images or trailers, anticipation is rising.
Turning to the cinematic legacy surrounding Steven Spielberg, he is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of his iconic film Jaws, a movie that redefined what blockbusters could achieve. Released on June 20, 1975, Jaws didn't merely dominate the box office with an impressive gross of $260.7 million during its original run; it has since amassed a stunning total of $477.92 million after several re-releases.
The tumultuous production of Jaws became legendary, often seen as a blend of human creativity and the vast, unpredictable force of nature. Spielberg described this blend as “people versus the eternal sea.” Allegedly, filming in open water posed immense challenges, with mechanical sharks breaking down frequently. In his words, “The sea won the battle—but where we won was with audiences in every country.” This iconic film, which focuses on a local police officer, a marine biologist, and a professional shark hunter desperate to thwart a predatory shark, indeed created a lasting impact in cinema history.
Interestingly, the novel that inspired Jaws drew from real-life events, specifically the shocking catch of a 4,500-pound shark by fisherman Frank Mundus in 1964. The rights to the book were purchased for $150,000 before it was published, a figure equivalent to about $1.08 million today, demonstrating the industry’s foresight in recognizing potential hits.
Noteworthy is Spielberg’s age at the time—only 26 years old—and the fact that Jaws became his second feature film after Duel. Filming took place in Martha’s Vineyard from May 2, 1974, to October 6, 1974, during which the production faced lengthy delays due to mechanical failures, changing tides, and weather conditions.
Deciding to film in actual ocean space instead of controlled studio tanks, Spielberg believed achieving realism was crucial. “The audience would not connect with the movie unless it looked real,” he mentioned. This commitment to authenticity resulted in various problems but ultimately contributed to crafting a more suspenseful narrative where the shark itself was glimpsed only sparingly.
Due to mechanical failures with the animatronic sharks—collectively nicknamed “Bruce”—the script needed to be adjusted to focus on suspense rather than graphic gore. The now-famous line, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat,” spoken by Roy Scheider's character Chief Brody, actually was improvised on set and has since become a classic. Furthermore, Spielberg’s cameo appearances lend a personal touch to this seminal work, reinforcing his connection to the project.
In addition to cinematic accolades, Jaws has inspired a variety of commemorative events like plays. One such production titled The Shark is Broken, which debuted on Broadway in August 2023, dramatizes the chaotic experiences of the film's production, further solidifying its legacy.
The commercial success of Jaws and its marketing campaign has left a lasting imprint on the film industry, symbolizing how strategic promotion can elevate films to significant cultural phenomena. Featured prominently in numerous TV commercials and recognized by the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 2001, Jaws remains a classic still influential to filmmakers and audiences alike.
As Netflix and traditional cinemas navigate this new landscape, the legacy of films like Jaws and emerging projects like The Thursday Murder Club highlight the ongoing evolution of film as a medium and the interplay of desire for traditional box office success within the realm of streaming.
