Home / Arts and Entertainment / Acclaimed Horror Director's Sci-Fi Project Caught in Netflix's Theatrical Dilemma
Acclaimed Horror Director's Sci-Fi Project Caught in Netflix's Theatrical Dilemma
7 Nov
Summary
- Filmmaker Zach Cregger's sci-fi film "The Flood" stalled at Netflix
- Netflix refuses to give the movie a theatrical release, while Cregger insists on it
- Cregger's previous film "Weapons" was a box office hit, making $267 million worldwide
In October 2025, filmmaker Zach Cregger's sci-fi original "The Flood" has hit a roadblock at Netflix. The streamer had initially tried to secure Cregger's commitment to make the film for their platform, with Netflix Films chairman Dan Lin even traveling to Prague to pitch the director. However, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos later rejected the prospect of a theatrical release for "The Flood," putting the project in limbo.
Cregger, who wrote the film for Amblin under their deal with Netflix, has remained adamant about his desire for a theatrical release. This stance comes on the heels of the massive success of his previous horror film "Weapons," which grossed $267 million worldwide this past summer. The standoff has left industry insiders questioning whether Netflix will back down or allow Cregger to take the project elsewhere.
As Netflix has been gradually increasing its theatrical footprint, releasing films like "KPop Demon Hunters" and Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" in theaters, the company's refusal to commit to a theatrical run for "The Flood" has raised eyebrows. The streamer's strategy has been to provide its members with exclusive first-run movies, though it occasionally releases certain films in theaters for marketing and awards qualification purposes.
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The impasse over "The Flood" highlights the evolving dynamics between filmmakers and streaming platforms, as both sides navigate the changing landscape of content distribution and audience preferences.
