Leonardo DiCaprio raises concerns over the future of cinema

Leonardo DiCaprio is openly questioning where cinema is headed as the film industry continues to shift toward streaming.

In a new interview with The Times, the actor said the pace of change has been unsettling, especially for theatrical filmmaking.

“It’s changing at lightning speed,” DiCaprio said, pointing to how documentaries have largely disappeared from cinemas and how streaming platforms taking the lead.

DiCaprio worries the shared moviegoing experience could drift out of mainstream culture.

“Do people still have the appetite?” he asked, wondering whether cinemas could one day become niche spaces, “like jazz bars.”

The Oscar winner, known for working with filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino, stressed the importance of continuing to support visionary directors.

He said he hopes the industry keeps backing bold, original voices whose work is meant to be seen on the big screen.

“I just hope enough people who are real visionaries get opportunities to do unique things in the future that are seen in the cinema,” DiCaprio added. “But that remains to be seen.”