*Courtesy of Monica Schipper/Getty Images.*

Todd Phillips, the director of recent box office disaster ‘Joker: Folie à Deux,’ has stated his suggestion for improving the movie theater experience: cut the commercials before the films.

In an interview with Empire magazine, Phillips offered a fresh perspective on the future of cinema, which was part of a broader discussion on topics like artificial intelligence, the rise of streaming services, and the battle between theaters and digital platforms. While many filmmakers touched on these big-picture ideas, Phillips zeroed in on a specific change that could enhance the theater experience.

“Stop showing commercials before the movies,” Phillips urged. “We’ve paid for our tickets, we’re excited to be there. The commercials tend to suck the energy right out of the room.”

His comment refers to ads that run before the trailers — a common complaint among moviegoers who feel it dilutes the excitement of seeing a film on the big screen.

Phillips wasn’t the only one weighing in on the future of entertainment. Sean Baker, the director of ‘Anora,’ expressed his concern over the growing preference for streaming and TV, as well as the shift from traditional film to digital cinematography. On the other hand, ‘Freaks and Geeks’ creator Paul Feig had a more positive outlook, praising streaming platforms for adapting to the changing landscape and “really stepping up” in an industry undergoing constant evolution.

Interestingly, Phillips’ latest film didn’t fare well at the box office. With a massive $200 million budget from Warner Bros., it failed to connect with critics or audiences, potentially losing as much as it cost to make. Renowned filmmaker Paul Schrader didn’t hold back in his critique, admitting he walked out during the screening, calling it a “really bad musical.”

Not everyone was as harsh about the latest Joker flick. Quentin Tarantino, known for his bold opinions, applauded the DC film, calling it a bold “f— you” to both Hollywood and audiences.

Phillips’ stance on commercials may be just a small piece of the puzzle in the grand scheme of cinema’s future, but it’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest changes can make a big difference for movie-goers.

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