Due to pandemic-related delays and a shift to streaming, traditional Hollywood studios are releasing fewer films, which is causing a movie shortage in theatres. That problem doesn't exist with Netflix.
A total of 43 original films, including the "Knives Out" sequel "Glass Onion" and its anticipated Oscar rival "Bardo," will be made available to stream on the service from September through December, according to the streaming juggernaut's Tuesday release of its film schedule for the rest of the year. According to Comscore, 35 films are scheduled for a broad release in theatres over that same time period as of Tuesday.
This is actually a respectable number of theatrical releases, according to Comscore Senior Media Analyst Paul Dergarabedian, given that the "release slate is still trying to find equilibrium after disruptions caused by the pandemic." However, to put things into perspective, there are still 17 full weeks left in 2022, which translates to an average of about two movies from a variety of companies opening in wide release every week.
Warner Bros. is only bringing three films into theatres between now and the end of the year, according to Comscore's analysis (though its new corporate parent, Warner Bros. Discovery, has expressed a renewed commitment to theaters). It will be released by Paramount.
The National Association of Theatre Owners John Fithian recently told a Media firm that it will take another 12 to 18 months for movie supply to reach pre-pandemic levels. Due to the fact that original dramas and action movies haven't yet found a sizable audience during the theatre industry's recovery, the lack of tentpole blockbusters on the calendar for the rest of the year is especially concerning.