Wahlberg on Netflix deals: We can't lose movie theaters

Mark Wahlberg does not know all the details about the two attention-grabbing full-length movie deals on Netflix announced this week.

But the actor/producer, 43, is deeply concerned about one clear aspect of the deal — preserving the movie theater experience.

"There is nothing like going to the theater, sitting with popcorn and candy and having the lights go down. Having that experience," Wahlberg told USA TODAY on Thursday. "I don't want to lose that. My greatest experiences were going to the theater with my dad, or sneaking a couple of Schlitz into the theater and watching Rocky. I don't want anyone to EVER lose that."

Hollywood has taken notice this week as Netflix announced two major movie deals. On Thursday, the company said Adam Sandler and his Happy Madison Productions would develop and produce four films to air exclusively on Netflix. On Monday the company announced it was producing a sequel to the 2000 Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon with the Weinstein Company as its first original movie (the film will still play on selected IMAX screens).

Wahlberg said he did not have enough information to give an opinion on the deals, but it was something he was watching closely.

"I gotta tell you. For me, personally, I am interested in knowing the reasons and economics behind both of those deals," said Wahlberg.

The Hollywood community is also watching developments closely and is very split about the issue, he said. "I can tell you for a fact there are certain people completely against it and people completely for it," said Wahlberg.

He does not want to pass judgment yet.

"As a businessman I don't have enough information to have an opinion one way or another," he says. "I can understand why certain people would want to do that (deal) for economic reasons. And I understand why some people would have a major problem with it."

Wahlberg also said he enjoys the idea and convenience of streaming product.

"I like turning my iPhone 6+ on and watching videos. It's like, 'Wow,' " he said. "But I still want to go and see the big screen and have that experience."