Luca Guadagnino’s highly anticipated new film, “Challengers,” starring Zendaya, will not be released in theaters in France. The trailer for the film, which caused quite a stir, was recently unveiled by Amazon. Zendaya, known for her roles in “Euphoria” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” stars in this tennis-themed romance alongside Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist.
The decision to release “Challengers” directly on Prime Video instead of in cinemas was justified by Brigitte Ricou-Bellan, the head of Amazon’s French branch. She cited the strict media chronology in France as the reason for this choice. In the United States, films can be distributed on streaming platforms shortly after their theatrical release, depending on agreements between distributors and exhibitors. However, in France, there is a standard waiting period of 17 months before a film can be offered for streaming, with the exception of Netflix, which has a slightly shorter deadline of 15 months.
This move by Amazon follows a trend of streaming services bypassing theatrical releases in France. Disney recently faced backlash for lobbying to release “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” exclusively in theaters, while putting their animated film, “Avalonia,” on streaming platforms. Brigitte Ricou-Bellan emphasized that streaming services are at a disadvantage compared to traditional broadcast windows and expressed hope for more flexibility in the future.
“Challengers” is not the only film affected by this decision. Michael Mann’s “Ferrari,” starring Adam Driver, will also suffer the same fate this year. However, Amazon has announced several original French content that will be available for streaming.
The strict media chronology in France has been a topic of debate, with some arguing that it protects the country’s cultural exception. However, streaming services like Canal+ and Netflix have been the beneficiaries of changes in the media timeline, allowing them to release original content more quickly. Discussions are ongoing to find a balance that serves both cinema audiences and streaming subscribers.
What are the arguments for and against the strict media chronology in France, and how do streaming services like Canal+ and Netflix fit into the discussion
Luca Guadagnino’s highly anticipated new film, “Challengers,” starring Zendaya, will not be hitting theaters in France. Instead, Amazon will be premiering the film directly on their streaming service, Prime Video. The trailer for the movie, which has generated quite a buzz, was recently unveiled by Amazon. Zendaya, known for her roles in “Euphoria” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” takes on the lead in this tennis-themed romance alongside Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist.
Brigitte Ricou-Bellan, the head of Amazon’s French branch, justified the decision to bypass a theatrical release by citing the strict media chronology in France. Unlike in the United States, where films can be distributed on streaming platforms shortly after their theatrical release, French regulations require a waiting period of 17 months before a movie can be offered for streaming, with the exception of Netflix, which has a slightly shorter deadline of 15 months.
Amazon’s move to stream “Challengers” follows a growing trend of streaming services opting out of theatrical releases in France. Disney recently faced criticism for lobbying to exclusively release “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in theaters while making their animated film, “Avalonia,” available on streaming platforms. Brigitte Ricou-Bellan highlighted the disadvantages faced by streaming services due to the rigid broadcast windows and expressed hope for more flexibility in the future.
It’s important to note that “Challengers” is not the only film affected by this decision. Michael Mann’s “Ferrari,” starring Adam Driver, will also meet the same fate this year. Nevertheless, Amazon has announced the availability of several original French content that will be streamed on their platform.
The strict media chronology in France has sparked debates, with arguments both for and against it. Some maintain that it serves to protect France’s cultural exception. However, streaming services such as Canal+ and Netflix have benefited from changes made to the media timeline, enabling them to release original content more quickly. Ongoing discussions aim to strike a balance that caters to both cinema-goers and streaming subscribers.
“Excited to see how Luca Guadagnino’s new film ‘Challengers’ will be received, as it bypasses theatrical release in France. A bold move, perhaps signaling a shift in the distribution landscape for independent films.”
It’s disappointing to hear that Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film ‘Challengers’ won’t be getting a theatrical release in France. However, I hope fans will still have the opportunity to appreciate it through other platforms.