Anne Hathaway isn’t in opposition to the thought of a streaming-only launch, however she nonetheless can acknowledge field workplace potential when she sees it.
The Oscar winner stars in and produces “The Concept of You,” which may have a streaming solely launch on Prime Video on Might 2. Hathaway informed Selection that whereas she continues to be excited that the romantic drama will attain a large viewers on the platform, she is aware of that the movie would fulfill a lacking goal in theaters.
“I’ve by no means had a film this measurement be launched [exclusively] on streaming, so I’m not likely in a spot to reply that query,” Hathaway mentioned when requested about her tackle whether or not or not streaming solely was helpful to this characteristic. “A part of me is worked up that such a large viewers goes to have immediate entry to it. And part of me [is aware that] there aren’t plenty of causes for mothers to seize one another by the hand and go to the movie show; this film would’ve been good for that.”
Hathaway pointed to the rise of DVD releases 30 years in the past as not being detrimental to film-loving, regardless of not having a theater-going expertise. Mainly, it doesn’t matter how viewers watch “The Concept of You,” as long as they get pleasure from it.
“A few of my favourite romantic comedies got here out within the ’90s and I watched them on dwelling video. I by no means noticed the unique theatrical runs of ‘Fairly Girl,’ ‘Notting Hill,’ or ‘My Finest Pal’s Wedding ceremony’ — clearly, I’m a Julia Roberts fan! —however I beloved them,” Hathaway mentioned. “Part of me loves the thought of getting an enormous worldwide theatrical hit. But it surely doesn’t imply I don’t respect the chance to have a special sort of [moviegoing experience].”
Earlier this yr, fellow Prime Video characteristic “Street Home” precipitated a streaming-only stir, main director Doug Liman to publicly threaten to boycott his personal movie (although he ultimately opted to quietly attend the premiere). Each “The Concept of You” and “Street Home” debuted on the 2024 SXSW Pageant.
Actor Jake Gyllenhaal informed Whole Movie journal that “Amazon was at all times clear that it was streaming” in the course of the improvement course of.
“I simply need as many individuals to see it as attainable. And I believe we’re residing in a world that’s altering in how we see and watch motion pictures, and the way they’re made,” Gyllenhaal mentioned. “I’ve additionally sat watching a movie on my pc, or somewhere else, and been so profoundly moved. If the job of a narrative is to maneuver folks, I’ve been moved in each types. I’m a deep lover of cinema and the theatrical launch — however I additionally do actually embrace the streaming world.”