Acclaimed director Christopher Nolan expressed strong criticism toward Netflix, arguing that the streaming giant has not brought any true innovation to movies or television. Known for his serious views on streaming, Nolan emphasized that Netflix merely repackages the old concept of direct-to-video rather than creating something new.
On the platform X, Nolan likened the film industry to the Heinz brand, a company that produces ketchup. He stated that the film industry’s innovation should focus on what appears on screen rather than distribution methods:
“We work in a mature business. I like to say we’re Heinz, we make ketchup. The innovation in our industry has always been and should always be what goes on the screen, not…”
Despite this stern critique, Nolan later softened his tone in interviews, acknowledging Netflix’s role in reshaping the entertainment landscape. In a 2017 interview with Variety, he admitted that his earlier remarks were harsh and that his wording was poor.
Christopher Nolan stresses that true cinematic innovation lies in creative storytelling on screen, not in new delivery formats like streaming.