With nearly 150 million subscribers around the world, Netflix has a commanding lead in the streaming wars. But it’s also facing heavy competition from deep-pocketed conglomerates like Disney, Apple, and AT&T, and an ongoing wave of narrow, targeted streaming sites like CBS All Access and DC Universe, which can draw on popular existing franchises for original content. As fewer companies are willing to license out their films and shows to other streaming sites, Netflix is pouring billions of dollars annually into its own original content. Follow along with The Verge as we look at Netflix’s new films and shows, its evolving strategies against new entrants in the market, and how it’s leveraging its technological and marketing lead.
If you weren’t able to see Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein in theaters during its all-too-brief theatrical run, it’ll be on Netflix next week. The latest trailer, meanwhile, provides the best look yet at Jacob Elordi’s take on the creature.
The Netflix fantasy epic continues its downward spiral with a bloated and mostly boring new chapter.
The fifth and final season of Stranger Things kicks off next month, and in the meantime Netflix has a very dramatic new trailer to get you in an Upside Down mood.
History tells us that Warner Bros. Discovery’s plan to sell itself is probably going to end in disaster.
Said no-one, I suspect. As Netflix shuts down another game studio, we’re not the only people questioning the streamer’s efforts to become a gaming giant.
eldinar:
It’s almost like people don’t subscribe to Netflix for games.
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Deadline reports that Netflix has tapped I Saw the TV Glow director Jane Schoenbrun to write and direct an adaptation of Charles Burns’ comic, Black Hole. Like the comic, the new series will tell the story of a town where a virus turns sexually active teens into strange monsters.
In an interview with NPR about his Frankenstein film arriving on Netflix next month, del Toro drew a hard line, saying he’d “rather die” than use AI, and compared today’s “tech bros” to Victor Frankenstein (the inventor, not the monster):
“I did want it to have the arrogance of Victor [Frankenstein] be similar in some ways to the tech bros. He’s kind of blind, creating something without considering the consequences and I think we have to take a pause and consider where we’re going.”
It has already gotten more than 325 million views, the company says. And get ready for more from the franchise: Netflix is partnering with Mattel and Hasbro on toys and products, and the company is looking at “opportunities” in “live experiences, publishing, beauty, lifestyle, and food and beverage.”
[Netflix]
The latest iteration of Frankenstein is excellent, but due to Netflix’s complex relationship with theaters, it’s also difficult to watch at the moment for many. But if you want to squeeze in a viewing ahead of its November 7th streaming date, the director posted this handy site for finding local screenings.
The director builds on a familiar story with a new level of detail and heart.
California is banning streaming ads that are louder than the content around them, bringing streamers in line with broadcast TV. But as some ask whether Big Government has gone too far this time, we say: No, obviously not!
Hoto:
You can just do that? You can just ban things because they’re loud, purposeless and annoying??
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Ahead of the premiere of season 4 on October 30th — which, of course, introduces Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia — Netflix has released a new Witcher trailer. The new season has more of an ensemble vibe, with Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri all doing their own thing across the Continent.
Fortnite wasted no time cooking up its KPop Demon Hunters collaboration that will see the Huntr/x girls squadding up to slay monsters in a movie-inspired version of the game’s Horde Rush mode running from October 2nd to November 1st. Naturally, Rumi, Zoey, and Mira skins will also be coming to the Fortnite Shop.
We’re getting a new trailer for the Netflix film tomorrow, and as a teaser the streamer put out this poster that provides the best look yet at Jacob Elordi as the creature.
The Netflix film has an intriguing premise: “When a single, unattributed missile is launched at the United States, a race begins to determine who is responsible and how to respond.” The trailer is mostly people looking very emotional in control rooms, and yet it’s still pretty intense. It streams on October 24th.
Kim, who recently oversaw the launch of its new TV app, became CPO in 2023 when Greg Peters was promoted to co-CEO. Bloomberg reports Netflix didn’t give a reason for her exit; however, CTO Elizabeth Stone will fill the role for now.
In a statement, she noted the apps’ recent changes:
We also redesigned the product experience, expanding beyond VOD to support a much broader entertainment offering –including live events, ads, and games.
Nobody wants to fess up to murder in the latest teaser for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, but Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc knows that there’s a killer in his midst — one whose identity will be revealed when the film hits theaters on November 26th.
Just like with Glass Onion, Netflix is giving Wake Up Dead Man a brief theatrical run before it starts streaming in December. The movie is also premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival later this week, and I’ll be on hand to check it out. Stay tuned.
The streamer has already ordered a sequel, but part of what made the first movie a sleeper hit was that no one saw it coming.
Variety and THR are reporting that a two-day special event showing of the animated hit pulled in $18 to $20 million from 1,700 theaters in North America this weekend. And now, Netflix has announced the sing-along version of KPop Demon Hunters will be available for streaming at home starting tomorrow, August 25th.
