The Future of Film: Big Screen or Stream?
Has Hollywood Lost the Plot?
Topics: Culture
Release Date: March 13, 2026
Where would you rather watch the latest movie everyone is talking about: at home on your TV or in a dark theater surrounded by other moviegoers?
In the wake of the streaming revolution, Hollywood is at a critical juncture. With reports of movie theater closures across the country and declining attendance, many are wondering: Are theaters still the irreplaceable heart of cinema, or has streaming become the industry’s new default? And what does that mean for the audience?
Some say the big Silver Screen is here to stay; they create cultural moments, communal energy, and spectacle, especially for blockbusters and auteur-driven films. A healthy theatrical ecosystem sustains filmmaking, builds stars, and provides a longer shelf life.
But others in Hollywood say it’s time to roll up the red carpet and let streaming be the future. It offers convenience, personalization, and global reach, expanding access for audiences who don’t live near theaters or can’t afford frequent outings. For many families, the economics and discovery now work better online than in a costly theatrical rollout.
As moviegoers vote using their time and attention, a former president of The Academy and a film executive debate the question: The Future of Film: Big Screen or Stream?
ARGUING BIG SCREEN:
Hawk Koch: Board Member of AMC Theaters; Former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Producers Guild of America; Author of “Magic Time: My Life in Hollywood”
ARGUING STREAM:
Chris Aronson: Former President Of Domestic Theatrical Distribution at Paramount Pictures
MODERATOR-IN-CHIEF:
John Donvan: Emmy award-winning journalist
In light of streaming services like Disney Plus, Netflix, and Prime Video all raising their subscription prices and including advertisements on base plans, will the costs to streamers continue to rise to the point at which cinema becomes their preferred movie experience?