Netflix Film Chief Dan Lin Says Streamer Has “Accepted” It Won’t Work With Directors Who Want Theatrical Releases

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Netflix Films chairman Dan Lin drew a clear line in the sand: the streamer will no longer pursue filmmakers who insist on theatrical releases. In an interview with The New York Times, Lin said Netflix has "accepted" it simply won't work with this faction of directors, even as he signaled the company wants to greenlight more mid-budget projects. The statement reflects Netflix's evolving strategy to build its film library around creators willing to embrace streaming-only distribution, effectively writing off an entire category of auteur-driven filmmakers who view theatrical exhibition as essential to their work.