Why Hollywood Will Never Make Another Hit Movie Again

Summary

In this podcast episode, the host delves into the decline of blockbuster films in the 2020s compared to the previous decade. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on cinema, the rise of streaming services, and the shift from box office hits to content overload. The conversation ponders the future of popular films, suggesting that while the industry has changed, the potential for innovative and culturally impactful cinema remains.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The podcast episode discusses the decline in major successful films in the 2020s compared to the 2010s.
• 🌟 Before 2019, big-budget films like 'Avengers: Endgame', 'Joker', and 'The Lion King' remake were not just movies but cultural events.
• 😷 The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact, with theaters closing and movies shifting to streaming platforms, altering the movie-watching experience.
• 📺 The rise of streaming services during the pandemic led to a change in how film success is measured, moving from box office earnings to viewing numbers.
• 📈 The streaming revolution blurred the lines of what constitutes a blockbuster, as the shared theater experience and box office competition diminished.
• 📱 The availability of content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube has led to an overload, making it harder for one film to dominate cultural conversations.
• 🔄 Studios in the 2020s have focused more on reboots, sequels, and franchises, which are safer bets but may lack the originality to become cultural landmarks.
• 🎬 Original stories and innovative ideas are becoming rarer as studios prefer to stick to familiar formulas, which can lead to repetitive content.
• 🌐 The future of popular films may involve a return of past hits as theaters reopen, but the industry and audience expectations have changed.
• 🌟 The concept of a 'hit' film will continue to evolve, potentially including viral trends and internet personas that capture attention in new ways.

Q & A

What was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the film industry?

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the film industry, causing theaters to shut down worldwide in 2020, which paused the industry. Big films either skipped theaters entirely or went straight to streaming services, leading to a loss of the shared theater experience and box office competition.

How did the rise of streaming services during the pandemic affect the perception of a 'hit' movie?

The rise of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu Max during the pandemic changed the measurement of a film's success from box office earnings to viewing numbers on these platforms. This shift blurred the lines of what makes a blockbuster and made it harder to gauge a movie's impact.

What was the cultural impact of big-budget films before 2019?

Before 2019, big-budget films like the Marvel Infinity Saga, Joker, and The Lion King remake not only dominated the box office but also became cultural landmarks, sparking intense debate, setting new records, and bringing back classic magic. They were major events that left a lasting cultural impact.

Why do fewer films from the 2020s seem to reach the same cultural impact as those from earlier years?

Fewer films from the 2020s have reached the same cultural impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of streaming services, and the shift in how success is measured. Additionally, the content overload with an explosion of original material on various platforms has made it harder for one film to capture everyone's attention.

How has the abundance of content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube affected the film industry?

The abundance of content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube has led to intense competition for viewers' attention, making it difficult for films to stand out and become cultural phenomena. This has resulted in fewer movies dominating the cultural conversation.

What strategies have film studios adopted in the 2020s to ensure success at the box office?

In the 2020s, film studios have focused on reboots, sequels, and franchises, as these strategies leverage existing fan bases and are more likely to succeed at the box office. However, this approach can lead to repetitive content and a lack of originality.

How have film studios' reliance on familiar franchises affected the originality of films?

The reliance on familiar franchises has led to a decrease in originality, as studios prefer to stick to what works rather than taking risks on new ideas. This results in audiences getting more of the same plots and settings, which can be comforting but lack the originality that makes a movie stand out.

What changes might we expect in the concept of a 'hit' film as the film industry evolves?

As the film industry evolves, the concept of a 'hit' might not just be about box office numbers but could also include viral trends and internet personalities that capture people's attention in new ways.

What are the potential future trends for popular films as suggested by the podcast?

The podcast suggests that popular films might return as theaters respawn and life returns to normal, but they will likely come back in a new form, reflecting the changing landscape of the film industry and shifting tastes.

How does the podcast suggest we should stay engaged with the evolving film industry?

The podcast encourages staying alert for the next big thing in cinema, enjoying movies, and staying engaged in the conversation, suggesting that the way we watch and discuss films will continue to evolve.