Steven Spielberg changes his mind on streaming and signs big Netflix deal

Los Angeles, California - Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who has made some of the most famous movies on the planet such as Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, and countless others, has backtracked on his hatred of films made by streaming platforms and has decided to team up with Netflix.

Steven Spielberg (74) has often been critical of streaming platforms, but now he seems to have changed his mind.
Steven Spielberg (74) has often been critical of streaming platforms, but now he seems to have changed his mind.  © collage: Imago/Insidefoto & 123RF/Kaspars Grinvalds & 123RF/razoomgames

The streaming giant and Spielberg's production company Amblin Partners announced plans Monday for a multi-year collaboration, according to the release, with several feature films planned together each year.

Amblin is all about storytelling, Spielberg (74) said in a statement, adding that he's looking forward to the "wonderful opportunity" to work with Netflix to open up new stories and new audiences.

The collaboration with Netflix programming chief Ted Sarandos (56) is very important to him personally, the director said. Sarandos praised Spielberg as a "creative visionary and leader," saying he was greatly influenced by his stories and memorable characters growing up.

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Taylor Swift Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce hold hands on romantic lunch date

Spielberg, who directed blockbusters like Jaws, the first four films in the Indiana Jones franchise, E.T., and Jurassic Park, was actually considered more than just a skeptic of streaming services like Netflix.

According to Deadline, he made comments in the past indicating that films made by streaming companies weren't really comparable to what Hollywood could produce. Now, both he and his team deny such thoughts were ever shared by Spielberg, and insist that he is nothing but excited for the future.

Steven Spielberg created a host of iconic classic films: scene from "Catch Me If You Can" with Leonardo DiCaprio (46).
Steven Spielberg created a host of iconic classic films: scene from "Catch Me If You Can" with Leonardo DiCaprio (46).  © PR/United International Pictures (UIP)

Historically, Spielberg's production company has worked closely with Hollywood studio Universal Pictures, with Amblin most recently producing such films as Jurassic World: Dominion, West Side Story, The Trial of the Chicago 7 and 1917. This partnership will continue, and neither Netflix nor Universal will get "first dibs", but will have separate relationships with Spielberg.

Cover photo: collage: Imago/Insidefoto & 123RF/Kaspars Grinvalds & 123RF/razoomgames

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