Deadline broke news on Friday when it reported that ex-Netflix head of film Scott Stuber has signed on with Amazon to revive the United Artists brand under the umbrella of Amazon and MGM. This is an encouraging development for exhibitors, as Stuber was widely reported to have lobbied his former bosses at Netflix to release more of its films in theatres.
At that time, Netflix’s co-CEOs Reed Hastings and Ted Sarandos resisted Stuber’s calls, which may eventually have led Stuber to leave the company. Stuber’s new role at Amazon may allow him to play out his original strategy. United Artists is a legendary Hollywood brand, responsible for the releases of APOCOLYPSE NOW, 12 ANGRY MEN and THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY among many others.
However, ever since MGM acquired United Artists in 1981, the studio has cycled through a series of failed rebranding attempts. In 2022, MGM itself was gobbled up by Amazon for a reported $8.45 billion. Some are questioning what value the United Artists brand may still have.
Amazon is banking that Stuber’s industry relationships will help him create new momentum for UA. Many credit Stuber for playing a key role in bringing top talent to Netflix to work on features including RED NOTICE, BIRD BOX, GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY, ALL’S QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT, THE GRAY MAN, THE POWER OF THE DOG, THE IRISHMAN, ROMA and MARRIAGE STORY, among others.
While many of these movies received critical acclaim and were watched widely online, almost all of them were limited to short theatrical runs. If Stuber can produce a comparable slate of films at Amazon and release them in the theatrical market, the result could be a welcome boost for exhibitors.