Netflix’s Next Film Chief: Contenders, Long Shots and My Pick

Peter Rice probably hasn’t even figured out where his parking space is or how to work the elevators at Netflix, and I’m already writing my second memo telling him how to do his job. (Here’s the first, if it got lost in your inbox.) Another one like this and I’m going to demand we split his salary if I’m the one doing all the heavy lifting.

Last week, I gave the new guy guidance on the big challenges Netflix faces in getting its groove back; this time, I’m focused specifically on Netflix’s film program. The issues are thorny and seemingly intractable, and if the next film chief is going to have any hope of success, the top person will need to clear the trail.

But much more is at stake here than Netflix’s film future. Getting this right has deeper consequences.

Before Lin was hired to run Netflix’s film operation in 2024 — when the town was in a frenzy, throwing out wild predictions about who would land the gig — I and I alone of all the film-world observers predicted that he would be named the next head of the division.  

I later learned that when I made my prediction, Netflix hadn’t even approached or spoken to Lin about the job. Thank you for reading this column, Netflix.

But that era has passed, and with it, my media clairvoyant status is up for grabs again. For me, the stakes couldn’t be higher — if I guess this right twice in a row, a dynasty is born, and I will be elevated to the Mount Rushmore of Hollywood prognosticators.

If I am wrong, ignominy, shame and anonymity await me.

But, that said, I have run the numbers. 

In Netflix fashion, I’ve put the candidates through my proprietary Ankler-O-Matic algorithm, weighing everything from talent relationships to track records, risk-taking and connections to Peter Rice.

Some of the most obvious names don’t fare nearly as well as you’d think. And the winner? Let’s just say Hollywood’s next great film executive might not come from a traditional studio.

But before I name names: Let’s consider why running Netflix Film may be the best worst job in all of Hollywood…