Elizabeth Olsen gives the most ridiculous reason yet for not appearing in films that aren't meant for theatrical release

[Billy]

Elizabeth Olsen has always been a star of the theatres, and I like it. She has since said that she will no longer appear in projects that don't have a theatrical release. She is apparently interested in promoting human interaction.

“If a movie is made independently and only sells to a streamer, then fine. But I don’t want to make something where [streaming is] the end-all,” Olsen said. “I think it’s important for people to gather as a community, to see other humans, be together in a space. That’s why I like sports. I think it’s really powerful for people to come together for something that they’re excited about. We don’t even audition in person anymore.”

I understand that she sounds credible, although to an industry expert, this sounds like a purely self-serving ambition. Theatrical release means more exposure, better brand deals, and more money. Sadly, the same films released for theatres are now made available for streaming in a matter of days, because however much money a film makes in the theatres nowadays, the majority of people end up watching it on streamers.

Many films released straight to streaming have also proved to be way better than what is served in the theatres. Actually, looking at Superman, Fantastic Four: First Steps, and other big studio films that made losses in the theatres in recent years, it is fair to say that the studios are purely relying on streaming platforms to earn money, which means only a person who isn't reading the industry would say whatever she is saying.

 

[PixelNomad42]

I get what you’re saying. The business reality definitely doesn’t line up with the way she’s talking about theatres. The money and the audience is on streaming platforms now, that part is just true.

I think she’s speaking more from a personal preference than from how the industry actually functions. Some actors genuinely miss the old “movie as an event” era, even if that era isn’t how things work anymore.

So I don’t read her as wrong so much as nostalgic. What she wants and what the industry is built around now are two completely different things.

 

[ChrisSawin]

The turn around window from theatrical to on demand is like three weeks now, isn’t it? I feel like Elizabeth Olsen may be thinking of what happened to Scarlett Johansson with Black Widow. Actors want their work to be seen and theatrical gets more exposure.

If it just gets dumped on streaming then there’s little difference if it’s released on Netflix or Tubi because it’ll likely be hot for a couple weeks but be removed later because either no one is watching it or the license expires.

The theatrical experience is also the way a movie is meant to be seen. Filmmakers make movies for the theater. Not for your TV. Or tablet. Or smartphone. The big screen. The reaction of a packed movie theater beats anything most of us have at home.

It’s less of a prominent concept now, but actors who circled around direct to video movies were also thought of as B-movie actors.

Olsen’s comments are kind of weird, but I look at it as her wanting not only what’s best for her but also for those who enjoy her movies as well.