Timothée Chalamet spoke candidly on Friday at Los Angeles Theatre about the importance of the traditional moviegoing experience, emphasizing that theaters create a unique atmosphere around films. Although the actor has starred in Netflix projects such as The King and Don’t Look Up, he expressed a clear preference for releasing films theatrically, underscoring the distinct impact that a big-screen debut carries over direct streaming premieres.
Actor Highlights the “Ceremonial” Feel of Movies in Theaters
During a Q&A with DJ and Apple Music host Zane Lowe, Chalamet reflected on his experiences with both theatrical and streaming releases. He remarked,
“If you put out a movie theatrically, what I’ve felt — based on my experience with The King or Don’t Look Up — is that it’s just more of a moment,”
Timothée Chalamet told Zane Lowe.
“It sounds like cheesy marketing talk, but it’s more ceremonial. It’s more drumroll. And I think it’s hard when something goes direct to streaming … to do that.”
This view confirms his belief that theaters amplify the cultural significance of a film’s launch.
Concerns Over Netflix and Warner Bros. Merger Impacting Theatrical Releases
The current merger discussions involving Netflix’s proposed $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery have stirred unease within the film industry, raising fears that fewer projects will receive traditional theatrical runs. Netflix’s co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, has attempted to soothe these worries by promising that Warner Bros. films will be released
“in theaters with the traditional windows.”
While Chalamet did not directly address the merger during his event, he made clear his support for cinema venues, gaining audible approval from the audience.
Chalamet’s Enduring Support for Theaters Earns Audience Applause
Following his statement in favor of theaters, Chalamet humorously acknowledged the crowd’s reaction, saying,
“I was going to contrast my prior point there, but then people supported it with applause and now I’m afraid,”
demonstrating his good-natured approach toward the topic. Nevertheless, he also praised Netflix’s vast reach and ability to connect movies with wide audiences in innovative ways.
Successful Valentine’s Eve Screening at Los Angeles Theatre Demonstrates Fan Devotion
Approximately 2,000 enthusiastic fans gathered at the Los Angeles Theatre for a Valentine’s Eve screening of Call Me by Your Name, part of a special career retrospective on Chalamet hosted jointly by Cinespia and the American Cinematheque. After the film, Chalamet engaged in a lively conversation with Zane Lowe, reflecting on his journey and the continued resonance of the film on the big screen.
Retrospective Celebrates Chalamet’s Filmography with Multiple Screenings
The screening of Call Me by Your Name served as the final event in an extended series featuring several of Chalamet’s key projects, including Marty Supreme, A Complete Unknown, Dune: Part Two, Interstellar, The King, and Beautiful Boy. This retrospective celebrated the breadth of his career and highlighted his varied roles across diverse genres and directors.
Chalamet Embraces Film Promotion and Career Milestones
Reflecting on his public persona, Chalamet noted his enthusiasm for promotion, contrasting with colleagues who may find press tours challenging. He fondly recalled the vibrant and unconventional publicity campaign for Marty Supreme, which ended memorably with him climbing the Las Vegas Sphere, a large spherical structure then resembling a giant orange ping-pong ball. He shared,
“This is the aspirational hip-hop part of me. … What a dream, man. Are you kidding me?”
Chalamet’s energy during promotional events complements his ongoing efforts on the Oscars campaign trail, having recently secured a best actor nomination for Marty Supreme.
Recent Awards and Personal Acknowledgements Highlight Career Growth
Chalamet celebrated a Critics Choice Award win last month for his portrayal of a table tennis prodigy striving for greatness. During his acceptance speech, he acknowledged his partner of three years, Kylie Jenner with heartfelt appreciation. When asked about the competitive strength among fellow Oscar nominees, Chalamet responded warmly, saying,
“Everyone’s killing it, so I feel lucky to be part of that community.”
Lighthearted Moment on Speculated Musical Alias
Toward the end of the event, Zane Lowe raised the question of EsDeeKid, a British rapper rumored to be Chalamet’s secret musical persona. The two artists had previously dispelled the speculation by collaborating on a remix of the song “4 Raws.” When Lowe asked if Chalamet planned to join EsDeeKid’s tour, the actor playfully evaded the inquiry, responding,
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
The Significance of a Theatrical “Moment” in a Streaming Age
Timothée Chalamet’s comments underscore a broader tension in Hollywood between the expanding influence of streaming platforms and the cultural importance of traditional theaters. While streaming services offer unparalleled reach, Chalamet’s support for theaters reflects a desire to preserve the experiential and communal aspect that cinemas provide. As industry giants like Netflix move to acquire legacy studios, the dialogue around theatrical releases, exclusive windows, and audience engagement will remain a critical topic shaping the future of film distribution and how audiences experience movies as significant cultural events.
