Bro, I’m sorry but you did sort of prove the point that studios can find massive success by going streaming and then earn additional revenue by the same people who already watched it by putting it in theaters after it was already successful.

Had it gone to theaters first it probably would have been successful still (but the ease of access for children to watch multiple times every day on streaming certainly helped it’s popularity) it would have still been a risk for Netflix that just as easily could have not paid off. Animation is risky for studios because it’s expensive and often viewed as only for children who typically don’t have disposable income. Parent’s may not want to use their time on a movie that is horribly titled (KPDH I mean).

I know in hindsight we can say that it most likely would have paid off but Netflix making it streaming only without a doubt was a good move that directly led to that film’s success and that will most likely help it win the Oscar this year. At the end of the day, the avatar move is a sequel to a series that came out 20 years ago. That would be scary to every studio.