Channing Tatum recently expressed concerns about how streaming platforms have complicated Hollywood’s filmmaking landscape. The actor believes that the current system often motivates artists to produce low-quality movies instead of focusing on quality work, highlighting how this shift influences both creators and audiences.
Actors Feel Pressured to Prioritize Quantity Over Quality
In an interview on First We Feast’s Hot Ones, Tatum addressed comments he made in a Variety cover story, explaining,
“effed up the industry a bit — for good and for bad.”
He pointed out the confusion surrounding how movies are now made and delivered, saying,
“I think, now, when you get asked to do a movie, or you’re trying to get a movie made, it’s a very confused pipeline of possibilities.”
The actor elaborated on the difficulties involved, adding,
“And it really feels like, at times, that you’re incentivized to make bad things to get paid, rather than make something really, really good, for the f—— people that actually get to see these things and people that I want to see these movies, the person that I was when I was a kid, I want good movies.”
He described the current situation as “such an upside-down moment” and reflected on the disconnect between audiences who want to support quality films and the opportunities available to actors who often end up in underwhelming projects.
“I’m like, ‘Man, I want to give my money to the good movies,’”
Tatum said.
Hope for Positive Change Amid Industry Disruption
Despite his frustrations, Tatum remains optimistic about the future. He believes the changes brought by streamers were necessary and will ultimately benefit the industry, sharing,
“But I do believe that the disruption is going to lead to something good. I do believe the streamers came in for a reason, and it had to change. It had to morph.”
Reflections on Past Projects and Current Work
Speaking about his earlier work, Tatum described the 2010 romance “Dear John” as “such a generic movie,” indicating his awareness of the kind of projects he wishes he had been a part of. He also discussed having a brief cameo in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” noting that he doesn’t feel particularly connected to that film.
At present, Tatum is promoting his upcoming movie “Roofman,” which stars Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, and Peter Dinklage, among others. This role represents a fresh chapter as he continues to navigate an evolving film industry.
