Will Smith's Bright: The Unsung Hero of Streaming

Will Smith's movie Bright, released in 2017, was a big deal for Netflix. It was their first attempt to create a blockbuster movie designed for streaming, not theaters. This was a bold move, as most big movies were still released in cinemas. Bright was an action-packed film with a fantasy twist, featuring magical creatures like orcs and elves. Netflix invested heavily in this project, aiming to attract a wide audience. The strategy paid off. Despite receiving mixed reviews, Bright was a hit. Many people watched it in its first few days, and it helped bring in new subscribers for Netflix. This success showed that movies didn't need theaters to be popular. Before Bright, a movie's success was often measured by box office sales and DVD purchases. But Bright proved that streaming could be a viable platform for big movies. After Bright, other streaming services like Disney+ started creating their own original content. This led to what's known as the streaming wars, where companies competed to produce the best shows and movies. The COVID pandemic further boosted this trend, as more people stayed home and watched movies online. However, Bright is often forgotten today. Despite its impact, it's not talked about much. It didn't become a classic like Jaws or Batman 1989. Instead, it's a footnote in the history of streaming. A direct sequel and an anime spinoff didn't gain much traction, and the movie itself has faded from memory. This raises an important question: will streaming movies ever become classics? Or will they always be seen as disposable entertainment? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: Bright changed the game, even if it's not remembered for it.