Filmmaker Zach Cregger, known for Barbarian and Weapons, has seen his next project, The Flood, placed on hold following a reported disagreement with Netflix over theatrical distribution.
According to TheWrap, The Flood — a science-fiction film written by Cregger — was being developed under Amblin Partners and Netflix. The project has “stalled” after the streamer decided not to release the film in theaters, despite an earlier commitment.
The report states that Netflix Films chairman Dan Lin met with Cregger in Prague during the summer of 2025, while the director was preparing his upcoming Resident Evil adaptation for Sony. Lin reportedly promised a theatrical run at that time, but Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos later declined to support a wide release.
Netflix recently reaffirmed its strategy to prioritize streaming exclusivity during its third-quarter 2025 earnings call, noting that the success of KPop Demon Hunters would not alter its release approach.
Executives emphasized that while limited theatrical windows may be explored for awards-qualifying runs, the company’s focus remains on driving subscriber growth through at-home premieres. This stance places Netflix at odds with a growing number of filmmakers advocating for theatrical experiences, who view the big screen as essential to both artistry and box office potential.
Some Netflix projects, including Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and the upcoming Stranger Things Season 5 finale, are still expected to receive limited theatrical engagements before their streaming debuts.
These special releases, typically reserved for prestige titles or event-level content, highlight Netflix’s selective flexibility when major talent or franchise appeal is involved. Insiders suggest The Flood could qualify for a similar rollout if negotiations between Cregger and Netflix progress positively.
The Flood was expected to follow Cregger’s 2025 releases — the horror hit Weapons, which grossed over $267 million worldwide per Box Office Mojo, and his in-progress Resident Evil adaptation starring Austin Abrams.
Given Cregger’s rising profile as one of contemporary horror’s most bankable new voices, the delay comes as a disappointment for both fans and industry observers. Whether the dispute resolves in favor of a theatrical release or pushes the film toward a streaming-only debut could signal how much creative leverage filmmakers like Cregger will retain in the evolving studio-streamer landscape.
