Berger Says Film Industry Needed Netflix to Wake It Up
Speaking at Rome's MIA Market, the director said Netflix once challenged a complacent industry and the influence now runs both ways.
Edward Berger said the film industry needed Netflix as a disruptive force because it had grown complacent, speaking at a fireside chat at the MIA Market in Rome on October 19, 2026, according to Deadline. The director added that the relationship can now work the other way, with Netflix drawing inspiration from the movie business.
Berger recalled that Netflix executive Sasha Bühler told him her company would back All Quiet on the Western Front only if the film was great. He said Netflix put up a considerable amount of money that could not have been raised through local or international sales, and that without that support the film might not have been made. All Quiet on the Western Front went on to win Best International Film at the 2023 Oscars.
The director also described a late change on Conclave, when Sergio Castellitto's limited English led to his lines being switched to Italian days before filming. Berger said Ralph Fiennes learned Italian so his character could respond naturally to Castellitto's Italian lines.
Upcoming projects
Berger is attached to direct a World War Z sequel with Brad Pitt returning to star, from a script by Dennis Kelly and produced by Plan B Entertainment. He is also attached to an untitled Lance Armstrong film starring Austin Butler, which Apple won in an auction, and will direct Stradivarius for Netflix, written by Itamar Moses.
Quick answers
What did Edward Berger say about Netflix at the MIA Market?
He said the film business needed Netflix as a disruptive force because the industry had become complacent, and that Netflix can now be inspired by the movie business in turn.
What is Edward Berger's next film?
He is attached to direct a World War Z sequel starring Brad Pitt, an untitled Lance Armstrong film with Austin Butler for Apple, and Stradivarius for Netflix.
Why were Sergio Castellitto's lines changed in Conclave?
Berger said Castellitto's limited English led to his lines being switched to Italian days before filming, and Ralph Fiennes learned Italian to respond naturally.