Tom Hanks has no doubt that cinemas will survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
During an interview with Collider for his new film, “News of the World,” Hanks spoke about the impact this year has had on the cinema sector and the subsequent move of many films to launch on streaming services.
“A radical change was due, anyway. It was coming, ”said Hanks, noting that the advent of streaming services has allowed viewers to watch movies from the comfort of their homes for some time.
“Will cinemas still exist? For sure, they will. In a way, I think that exhibitors – as soon as they are open – will have the freedom to choose the films they will show, ”said Hanks.
Hanks elaborated further on this point, saying that he believes that cinemas will still be the launch option for big budget franchises, such as the Marvel Universe.
“Movies from major events will rule the day in theaters,” said Hanks. “’News of the World’ may be the last adult movie about people saying interesting things that are going to happen on a big screen somewhere, because after that, to make sure people show up again, we’ll have the Marvel Universe and all kinds of franchises. “
Hanks implied that franchise films are usually made with the big screen in mind, while many smaller films are learning to adjust to production for streaming platforms.
“Do you want to see them [franchise films] in big letters, because watching them at home on the couch can really diminish them in some way in their visual impact, ”said Hanks. “But the radical change brought about by COVID-19 has been a slow train coming. I think there will be a lot of movies that will only be streamed, and I think it will be good to see them that way because they will actually be built and made and built for someone’s very good widescreen TV in your home. “
The film industry was recently shaken by Warner Bros. ‘decision to launch its entire 2021 list, including “Dune” and “The Matrix 4”, on HBO Max, as well as in theaters. Many directors and theater owners criticized the move, with “Dune” director Denis Villeneuve writing an essay for Variety: “Cinema on the big screen is more than a business, it is an art form that brings people together, celebrating humanity, increasing our empathy for each other – it is one of the last artistic, collective experiences in person that we share as humans beings. “
See Hanks’ full interview with Collider below.