A Strategy Change, Netflix Will Debut 3 Original Films in Theater

Netflix will debut three of its new original films in limited theaters before making them available through its streaming service. The move marks an evolution of the company's strategy, per Reuters. Netflix previously made original films available in theaters and its streaming platform simultaneously, which, per The Verge, "hasn't played well with members for the film industry establishment." In a statement, Netflix's film head says the company's "priority is our members and our filmmakers, and we are constantly innovating to serve them." The three theater-first films include the Coen brothers' The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (in theaters Nov. 8); the Spanish-language Roma (in theaters Nov. 21); and the thriller Bird Box (in theaters Dec. 13).