Steven Spielberg says he will only make Netflix films if DVDs are brought back

Steven Spielberg has said he would only consider working with Netflix if the platform returned to its former DVD-by-mail model, reinforcing his long-standing preference for theatrical film releases.

In an interview with ITV News published on June 8, the director explained that his willingness to collaborate with the streaming service would depend on a shift back to physical home delivery of films.

“So, the idea of sending little cassettes, little DVDs, you know, to individuals to watch a movie — if I did that, I would be happy to work for Netflix and make a movie for Netflix, knowing that it's only going to be seen by millions of people on their home screens,” Spielberg said. “But I'm a movie maker, and I believe in big motion picture, 70-millimeter theatrical experiences.”

Spielberg has previously expressed scepticism about streaming-first releases. In a 2018 interview with Variety, he said films released primarily on streaming platforms should not be considered for certain awards categories, stating: “Once you commit to a television format, you're a TV movie.” He added at the time, “If it's a good show, you deserve an Emmy, but not an Oscar.”

The director’s latest comments continue a broader position he has maintained for several years regarding the distinction between theatrical cinema and streaming distribution.

The interview also touched on Spielberg’s upcoming film Disclosure Day, which is set for release in the United States on June 11.

He said his interest in unidentified aerial phenomena was renewed around 2017 when mainstream media coverage increased, leading him to develop a treatment before collaborating with screenwriter David Koepp.

The film features a cast including O’Connor as a cybersecurity whistleblower, Emily Blunt as a meteorologist, Colin Firth as a corporate executive and Colman Domingo as a disclosure movement leader.