Key Takeaways:
– Kevin Costner sides with the Netflix algorithm as his film, ‘Horizon,’ was the most streamed film in January.
– Zack Snyder claimed in 2023 that his Netflix movie, ‘Rebel Moon,’ had more viewers than theatrical releases.
– Netflix is becoming a necessary option for Costner’s sequel, ‘Horizon Chapter 2,’ due to funding issues.
It’s no secret that Netflix and other streaming platforms have changed how we measure movie success. Back in the day, selling tickets at the box office was the only way to evaluate popularity. Today, it’s not so easy. Streaming numbers are confusing, and guess what? Every streaming service has a different way of calculating them. Confused yet? Don’t worry, I’m here to break it down for you.
Introducing the King of Streaming: ‘Horizon’
First, let’s talk about Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon.’ It’s a cool movie that debuted six months ago, and it’s still doing well. Can you believe it? According to Costner, ‘Horizon’ had more than 40 million hours of watch time in January alone. This is surprising as there hasn’t been much advertiser push for the movie. Still, people are discovering and loving it. Costner feels it’s because people want to explore new worlds through movies. Interesting, right?
Snyder’s ‘Rebel Moon’ vs ‘Barbie’
Next up, we have Zack Snyder’s ‘Rebel Moon.’ This movie ran close to 3 hours but has managed to score over 100 million hours watched. Snyder made a bold claim, and you won’t believe it. He said ‘Rebel Moon’ was viewed more than ‘Barbie.’ He explained that with 90 million views and considering two viewers per streaming session, it equates to 160 million people. If each of those people paid $10 for a movie ticket, that’s $1.6 billion! Imagine that!
The Unpopular Side of Using Netflix
These numbers and claims might seem mind-blowing, but there is an opposite side, too. For instance, many wonder if people actually completed watching ‘Rebel Moon’ or quit halfway. Unfortunately, Netflix doesn’t reveal these insights, leaving us in the dark.
Likewise, debate surrounds ‘Horizon.’ Why does a super successful movie like ‘Horizon’ struggle to get funding for its sequels? Poor Costner seems to be having a tough time getting cash to make ‘Chapter 3’ and ‘Chapter 4.’
The Friction with Warner Bros
Despite the stream of confusion and unanswered questions, Netflix clearly plays a pivotal role in the movie industry. This is evident from ‘Horizon: Chapter 2.’ The first instalment, created with a whopping $110M, made only $29M at the box office. As such, Warner Bros pulled the second part from their summer schedule. But Netflix swooped in, making it an appealing home for the sequel.
The Final Word
In conclusion, the streaming era has disrupted the traditional indicators of a movie’s success. It’s more than just tickets and box-office earnings; it’s about views, streaming hours, and accessibility. Despite the confusion and debates, one thing is clear: streaming platforms, most notably Netflix, are leaving an indelible mark on how we consume movies. The continued success of films like ‘Horizon’ and ‘Rebel Moon’ on Netflix definitely underscores the impact and potential of internet-based entertainment. But, like any story, the final chapter is yet to be written.
Don’t worry. I’ll be here to break down anymore of these perplexing streaming numbers. Until then, grab some popcorn and enjoy these digital age movies from the comfort of your couch!
