Netflix is changing its approach to cinema releases, with the news that the new Knives Out film is getting a wide UK release.
Netflix has signed a landmark deal with Cineworld and Vue in the UK, bringing the upcoming Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery to ‘select’ multiplexes a week ahead of the film’s release on the streaming platform.
The agreement, which will presumably give the film a wide theatrical distribution platform, signals another key moment in the continually shifting landscape of exhibition.
If you recall, when Netflix first announced the eye-watering $400m deal to buy Rian Johnson’s next two films in the Knives Out series, it was seen as a huge statement of intent by the streaming platform as it looked to make itself the home of exclusive prestige film.
The year and a half since that announcement has seen the exhibition landscape alter significantly however, and it now appears that Netflix is willing to follow Apple and other streamers in brokering deals to share exhibition with cinemas. Likewise, cinema chains have also moved forwards from their rather cantankerous positions of a few years ago, such as in the case of Netflix’s The Irishman where they refused to entertain playing the film because it didn’t guarantee them a traditional window of exclusivity.
“This is an exciting moment in our relationship with streaming platforms and for the wider ecosystem as a whole,” said Tim Richards, Founder and CEO of Vue International. “Studios have recognised the value of the theatrical window and now we’re seeing Netflix embracing the big-screen theatrical release, too. The Knives Out franchise has a huge following and it’s fantastic that fans of the first movie will be able to experience Glass Onion on our big screens – where all great films deserve to be seen.”
If this is the next step forwards, then it seems like one that benefits everybody. The film is set to play from November 23th-29th at select Vue and Cinemas screens in the UK, with German cinema chains also reportedly holding talks of a similar nature. We’ll let you know more on this story as it develops.
The Hollywood Reporter
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