Zach Cregger’s The Flood Stalls at Netflix Over Theatrical Release Standoff

Overview

• Cregger will not make The Flood for Netflix unless it receives a proper theatrical release, according to multiple reports.
• Netflix Films chairman Dan Lin flew to Prague to court Cregger with the prospect of a big‑screen rollout, but co‑CEO Ted Sarandos later rejected the plan.
• The project is now in limbo, with sources indicating the next step could be a Netflix shift or Cregger taking the film to another studio.
• Sarandos recently told investors there is no change to Netflix’s strategy, which favors exclusive first‑run streaming with occasional limited theater play.
• Netflix has granted select exceptions recently, including runs for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and KPop Demon Hunters, special Stranger Things screenings, and an IMAX release for Greta Gerwig’s Narnia.