Tom Rothman Discusses Sony Pictures’ Strategy Amid M&A Activity, ‘KPop Demon Hunters 2’, and Universal’s Oscar Season Approach
Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group, is optimistic as the Oscars approach, with the studio’s animated feature, KPop Demon Hunters, positioned as a strong contender in both the Feature Animation and Best Song categories.
On the Oscars red carpet, Rothman addressed questions about the potential for a wide theatrical release of the sequel, highlighting that the decision rests with Netflix. “It will take us a few years to make the next one. To get that quality of animation from Sony Pictures Imageworks — it’s a numbered year process,” he stated. “By then, who knows? Fingers crossed.”
In January, Sony made headlines with a landmark $7 billion exclusive global pay-one deal with Netflix, marking a significant move in the industry.
Rothman also commented on Universal’s recent commitment to a new exclusive 45-day theatrical window for its core slate titles. “It’s a wonderful start for what we need to do,” he remarked. “We need to restore the windows so that audiences know that if they’re excited about a movie, they have to go to the movies to see it.”
With ongoing mergers and acquisitions, including Warner Bros’ impending acquisition by Paramount, Rothman expressed confidence in Sony’s position within the evolving entertainment landscape. “We’re lucky we’re part of a very big, strong company in Sony overall; we’re a $150 billion company. So, we have a strong foundation behind us, we’re clear in our strategy. It’s steady as she goes. We’re in the movie business, and we like it.” In contrast to other studios pursuing risky streaming ventures, Rothman described Sony as an “arms dealer” in the content supply chain.
Addressing concerns about potential production decline and fewer theatrical releases, Rothman acknowledged the apprehension within the industry. “I understand those worries; I wouldn’t say they’re unfounded. At the end of the day, people will want to be entertained. The nature of that might shift, and short-term challenges might be presented, but at the end of the day, people will always want to be entertained.”
