The movie industry is changing, and few people know that better than Richard Linklater . The director just released his latest film, Hit Man on Netflix, which quickly found its way to number one on the streamer and has seemingly been an instant crowd pleaser. While fans have loved the fun, quirky, and strangely profound action comedy, many have wondered why the movie went to the streaming platform and only received a limited release in select theaters before its at-home debut.
Linklater recently explained why he partnered with the company for his film's distribution, and he didn't mince words. It was during an interview with IndieWire that Richard Linklater was asked about Hit Man ’s Netflix success. Amid the chat, the auteur also explained why he decided to join forces with a streaming service for his latest film rather than fight for theatrical distribution.
The Dazed and Confused filmmaker explained that while he would’ve loved for his latest flick to have been acquired by a major studio and played wide in theaters, the changing movie industry prevented that from being in the cards. Linklater didn’t blame audiences, but rather the studios for not taking chances on adult entertainment at the theaters: How about Universal or Warner Brothers? I look at the studios, if anyone wants to cast blame. The indie film [world], to me, seems to have the same goals that it’s always had: to show films and try to find an audience somewhere.
It’s the studio world, to me, that’s.
