Renowned director Christopher Nolan openly criticized Netflix, stating that the platform has not contributed any true innovation to movies and television.
In a notable post on X, Nolan likened the cinema industry to Heinz, a company known for making ketchup, highlighting that the real innovation should be within the content on screen rather than the delivery method. He argued that Netflix merely repackaged the old concept of direct-to-video rather than creating something genuinely new.
“We work in a mature business. I like to say we’re Heinz, we make ketchup. The innovation in our industry has always been and should always be what goes on the screen, not…”
Despite his stern criticism, Nolan softened his stance in subsequent interviews. In a 2017 interview with Variety, he acknowledged that his earlier comments were harsh and admitted that his choice of words could have been better. He also recognized Netflix's role in changing the industry's landscape to some extent.
Christopher Nolan asserts that meaningful innovation in cinema lies in storytelling and visuals rather than distribution platforms like Netflix, though he acknowledges the platform's impact on the industry.