Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio has expressed growing concern about the future of movie theatres as streaming platforms continue to reshape Hollywood. In a recent interview with The Times, the 51-year-old star questioned whether audiences still crave the big-screen experience in an era of declining box office returns.
“It’s changing at a lightning speed,” DiCaprio said. “We’re looking at a huge transition.”
The Changing Face of Cinemas
DiCaprio highlighted the disappearance of certain genres from theatres as a warning sign.
“First, documentaries disappeared from cinemas. Now, dramas only get finite time and people wait to see it on streamers. I don’t know,” he remarked.
The actor suggested that while dedicated film lovers may continue to embrace theatrical releases, the shared cinema experience could slowly fade from mainstream culture.
“Do people still have the appetite? Or will cinemas become silos — like jazz bars?” DiCaprio questioned.
Hope for Visionary Storytelling
Despite the uncertainties, DiCaprio remains hopeful that studios will continue to support bold storytelling and visionary directors.
“I just hope enough people who are real visionaries get opportunities to do unique things in the future that are seen in the cinema,” he said. “But that remains to be seen.”
The discussion underscores a broader industry debate as Hollywood grapples with the rise of streaming services, changing audience habits, and the sustainability of traditional movie theatres in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.