Leonardo DiCaprio has expressed concern about the future of movie theatres, questioning whether audiences still want to watch films on the big screen.
Speaking to The Times of London, the Oscar-winning actor said he was unsure if “people still have the appetite” for cinemas. He suggested that theatres could become more niche venues, comparing them to jazz bars.
“It’s changing at a lightning speed,” DiCaprio said, referring to the film industry. “We’re looking at a huge transition. First, documentaries disappeared from cinemas. Now, dramas only get a limited run, and people wait to watch them on streaming platforms.”
DiCaprio said he does not know how the situation will develop but hopes cinemas continue to play a role in filmmaking.
“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. “But that remains to be seen.”
The comments were made during a recent appearance in London, where DiCaprio attended a special screening and Q&A at the BFI IMAX.
The actor has long defended what he calls cinematic integrity. In a separate interview with Time, he criticised the growing use of artificial intelligence in film, saying AI lacks humanity and cannot be considered true art.
DiCaprio said AI could be useful as a technical tool for filmmakers but warned against relying on it for creative work.
“Anything that is authentically thought of as art has to come from a human being,” he said. He added that AI-generated music and images may briefly impress audiences but often lack emotional depth and lasting value.
“There’s no anchoring to it. There’s no humanity to it,” DiCaprio said.
His remarks come as cinemas worldwide continue to face pressure from streaming services, changing viewing habits and rising production costs, raising wider questions about the future of theatrical film releases.
