Tarantino Considers Theater as ‘Final Frontier’ Amid Film Industry Frustrations

PARK CITY, Utah — Acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino made a surprise appearance at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on Monday, reflecting on his career, fatherhood, and his growing interest in live theater. The two-time Oscar winner, known for classics like “Pulp Fiction” and “Reservoir Dogs,” joined film critic Elvis Mitchell for a candid conversation at the Elvis Suite on Main Street.

“I’m in no hurry to jump into production right now. I’ve been doing that for 30 years,” Tarantino told the audience, emphasizing his recent focus on writing and family. The 61-year-old director, who splits his time between the U.S. and Israel, shared that he wants to delay his next film project until his 5-year-old son is older. “I kind of want to not end up doing whatever movie I end up doing until my son is 6,” he said.

Tarantino revealed he is currently writing a play, which he hopes to stage within the next year. “If that’s a smash hit, that might be my last movie,” he added, hinting at a potential shift away from filmmaking. The director expressed frustration with the modern film industry, particularly the shrinking theatrical window. “What the f*ck is a movie that plays in four weeks and by the second week you watch it on television? I didn’t get into it for diminishing returns,” he said.

In contrast, Tarantino praised the immediacy and exclusivity of live theater. “They pay a lot of f*cking money to get into that seat,” he said of theatergoers. “There’s no f*cking taping it, there’s no cell phone. You own the audience for that time. They are all yours, they are in the palm of your hand.”

The filmmaker, who rose to prominence after workshopping “Reservoir Dogs” at Sundance’s Directors Labs in 1992, also reflected on his legacy. “Leaving them wanting more is the game, but few people play it,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.

Tarantino’s appearance at Sundance marked a rare public engagement for the director, who has largely stepped back from the spotlight in recent years. His remarks underscored a growing disillusionment with the film industry and a desire to explore new creative challenges.