Vue CEO Tim Richards Talks Cinema's Future, WBD Sale, and Exhibitor Innovation

Richards discusses the awards race, Netflix's theatrical challenges, the '26 box office, and Vue's new self-service concession model.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 7:39am

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In a wide-ranging interview, Vue International CEO Tim Richards discusses his predictions for the awards season, the ongoing battle between exhibitors and Netflix over theatrical releases, the upcoming Warner Bros. Discovery sale, and innovative new concession offerings at Vue cinemas.

Why it matters

As the head of Europe's largest privately held cinema operator, Richards provides unique industry insights on the state of the movie theater business, the evolving relationship between studios and exhibitors, and the future of the theatrical experience.

The details

Richards believes Hamnet and I, Swear will be standouts at the BAFTAs, with Jesse Buckley and Robert Aramayo as potential winners. He is critical of Netflix's minimal theatrical releases, arguing the entire industry is supporting Paramount's bid for Warner Bros. Discovery over Netflix. Richards also discusses Vue's new self-service concession model, which aims to reduce queues, as well as the company's premium large format offering that he says outperforms IMAX. Additionally, Richards addresses a recent dispute with Coca-Cola over an unpaid bill, calling it an "outrageous display of aggression."

  • Richards recently returned from meetings with studios in LA.
  • Vue has installed almost 40,000 new leather recliner seats in the last 18 months.
  • Vue plans to roll out facial recognition technology for concession payments next year.

The players

Tim Richards

CEO of Vue International, Europe's largest privately held cinema operator, and former Chair of the British Film Institute.

Mooky Greidinger

Former CEO of Cineworld, who Richards says is a "great businessman" and hopes will be successful in a reported bid for Paramount's Showcase cinemas.

Ted Sarandos

Co-CEO of Netflix, who Richards says has built an "unbelievable company" but has been inflexible in negotiations with exhibitors.

Scott Stuber

Former head of Netflix's film division, who Richards says left the company in part due to frustration over Netflix's lack of theatrical releases.

Helen Moss

British executive who is overseeing the opening of distribution offices worldwide for the revamped Amazon MGM.

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What they’re saying

“I think the entire industry, either publicly or privately, is supporting Paramount, because Netflix has been an outlier. Cinema operators worldwide have tried to work with Netflix for 15 years, unsuccessfully, and it's been very frustrating.”

— Tim Richards, CEO, Vue International

“The frustration comes when they've got great movies that we'd love to have on our screens. Glass Onion, Matilda: The Musical, All Quiet On The Western Front, these are great movies that Netflix have made. The frustration is in the inflexibility.”

— Tim Richards, CEO, Vue International

What’s next

Richards says he is confident the industry narrative will improve after the summer, once the uncertainty over the Warner Bros. Discovery sale is resolved.

The takeaway

As the head of Europe's largest private cinema chain, Richards provides a unique exhibitor perspective on the evolving relationship between studios, streamers, and movie theaters, highlighting the industry's push for more robust theatrical releases and innovative in-cinema experiences to draw audiences back to the big screen.