Leonardo DiCaprio, long regarded as one of Hollywood’s most reliable box-office stars, has shared his concerns about the evolving fate of movie theatres amid rapid changes within the film industry. Despite his films continuing to draw audiences worldwide, the actor admits the future of theatrical viewing feels increasingly unpredictable.
Speaking to The Times, DiCaprio observed that the pace of change has been relentless. “It’s changing at lightning speed. We’re looking at a huge transition,” he said, pointing to how certain forms of cinema have already faded from theatres. “First, documentaries disappeared from cinemas. Now, dramas only get finite time, and people wait to see them on streamers,” he noted, questioning whether audiences still feel compelled to step into theatres. “Do people still have the appetite? Or will cinemas become silos—like jazz bars?”
While acknowledging the challenges, DiCaprio expressed hope that the theatrical experience will continue to matter, provided filmmakers are given the freedom to innovate. “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, adding cautiously, “But that remains to be seen.”
The actor’s remarks come at a time when his own work is performing strongly at the box office. His latest film, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, has crossed $205 million globally, underscoring his enduring pull with audiences.
DiCaprio has echoed similar sentiments in earlier conversations as well. In a recent interview with Deadline, he described the current moment as a critical turning point for the industry. “This year seems like one of the most lightning-rod moments in cinema history,” he said. “We’re up against it, the future of the cinematic experience, more than ever, I feel.” Emphasising the challenge ahead, he added, “Getting people to come to the theatres seems like more and more of a challenge.”
