Renowned filmmaker Ridley Scott discusses dangers of skipping cinemas, highlighting his concern over the growing ease with which audiences can opt out of the theater experience. In a recent conversation, Scott addressed how advancements in home viewing technology could threaten the existence of cinemas, even as he admits there are understandable reasons why people stay home.
Scott Voices Concern Over Home Entertainment Replacing Cinemas
During an interview tied to the 4K release of “Kingdom of Heaven,” Ridley Scott did not hold back about the risks he sees for movie theaters in the age of large and affordable home screens. He explained that the accessibility of high-quality viewing setups allows people to skip the hassle of driving to cinemas and instead watch films in comfort at home, raising questions about the long-term future of movie theaters.
“Well, on the TV screen, you can buy in any house today. What do they cost for a six-foot screen? 600 bucks? They’re nothing. And therefore, in a way, it’s very dangerous because people can watch at home, and yet cinema still hangs in there. I hope it doesn’t go away, but the quality of a screen in a room with, honestly, a couple of mediocre speakers, it’s hard to do better. It beats having to drive, car park, walk, blah blah. I shouldn’t say that, but it’s true.”
—Ridley Scott, Director
This candid observation acknowledges that improvements in consumer electronics make it far easier for audiences to replicate much of the theater experience at home. With screens and sound systems now much cheaper and more common, Scott notes that the comfort of one’s house can outweigh the inconvenience of traveling and the challenges of going to public venues like cinemas. While he recognizes this reality, he remains concerned for the future of theatrical releases, a concern shared among other prominent directors and veterans of the film industry.
Scott’s Ongoing Commitment to Filmmaking Despite Industry Shifts
Despite the uncertain outlook for cinemas, Ridley Scott continues to develop ambitious projects. The veteran director, known for lasting contributions across genres with films like “Blade Runner” and “Gladiator,” is not retreating from Hollywood. Scott has recently noted he is unlikely to return to the “Alien” franchise except in an advisory capacity, but he remains focused on the possibility of making another entry after “Gladiator II.” His commitment to storytelling and filmmaking persists even as the way movies are consumed changes.
Looking further ahead, Scott has revealed his intention to explore genres outside his established repertoire. In particular, he plans to direct a Western—describing it as the best script he has read in that genre, acquired from an author’s estate. He continues to look for new creative challenges, indicating that other genres, such as musicals and pirate movies, are also on his radar.
“So, I have a Western, which is the best Western I’ve ever read. It was on a shelf of an author who had died. It’s from his estate. We tracked it. I bought the script, so I own it, and the moment will come to make it. So, I still have to do a musical. I still have to do a pirate movie. I still have to do a Western.”
—Ridley Scott, Director
Film Industry Titans Persist Amid Changing Habits
Scott’s attitude mirrors that of peers like Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, and Clint Eastwood, all of whom continue to pursue major projects and resist stepping back from the spotlight. As the cinematic landscape changes—with more audiences choosing the comfort of home and directors voicing their concerns—these veterans remain committed to producing films intended for both cinema and home audiences.
For fans, Ridley Scott’s ongoing creative drive is welcome news, regardless of where viewers choose to enjoy his future work. The conversation around the survival and importance of movie theaters continues, with leading figures like Scott at the forefront of both filmmaking and the debate on the role of cinemas in an age of accessible home entertainment.
