Steven Spielberg On Repeated James Bond Rejections

Steven Spielberg is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers, known for directing some of the most iconic films in his decades-long career. Despite his extensive success and numerous accolades, the director has revealed that he was repeatedly rejected from directing James Bond movies, something that he strongly wanted to do at one point. Now, Spielberg is sharing how he would respond if he were approached to direct a James Bond film.

In an episode of “The Rest is Entertainment” podcast, Steven Spielberg sat down with Richard Osman and Marina Hyde to talk about his latest movie, “Disclosure Day,” as well as answer some fan questions.

One asked, “Were you ever approached to make a Bond film? Do you have any regrets about not doing that?” Spielberg made it clear that he was never approached to direct a Bond film. Instead, he was the one who approached the late Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, the James Bond franchise’s lead producer.

The director said he had always wanted to direct a Bond film since seeing 1962’s “Dr. No,” and after the success of “Jaws” in 1975, he approached the producer. “I called Cubby Broccoli after ‘Jaws’ and volunteered. I said, ‘If you need a director, I would love to direct one.’ And he said no,” Spielberg revealed.

The Director Attempted To Strike A Deal With Cubby Broccoli

That wasn’t the last time Spielberg was rejected. Years later, Broccoli contacted Spielberg and asked for a favor. After the release of his 1977 sci-fi movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” Broccoli asked for his permission to use the famous five-note sequence that was played throughout the film. The producer wanted to use the notes for “Moonraker,” the James Bond film released in 1979.

Spielberg used that opportunity to offer a proposal to the producer. “I said, ‘I’ll make you a deal. I’ll give you permission to use the five notes if you let me direct a Bond film.’ And he said no.” Despite not agreeing to his proposed deal, the director still allowed Broccoli to use the sequence.

“So they consistently turned me down. He never explained why he wasn’t letting me into the Bond family,” Spielberg said.

Steven Spielberg Confided In George Lucas

Spielberg confided in his fellow filmmaker and friend, George Lucas, after facing another rejection from Broccoli in 1977. The two were in Hawaii after the release of “Star Wars: A New Hope,” and upon hearing the director’s woes, Lucas said he had “something better” for Spielberg.

Lucas then told him about a character he conceived named Indiana Smith (later changed to Jones), an archaeology professor and daring treasure hunter. The Indiana Jones franchise has since had five feature-length films, four of which Spielberg directed. He served as executive producer for the fifth installment.

“He told me the premise of the Indiana Jones series, and that’s how I got that job. So if they ever asked me to make a Bond film now, my answer would be, ‘You can’t afford me,’” Spielberg said in jest.

James Bond Wasn’t The Only Franchise The Director Was Interested In

The acclaimed director is also a gamer, as his son, Max, revealed in 2024. According to Max, Spielberg loves the first-person shooter video game series “Call of Duty” and plays it on a computer using a keyboard and mouse. “He loves gaming. He’s the one that got me into it. He plays games. He’s a big PC gamer and so that’s kind of our bonding point as well,” Max shared.

In 2015, Activision Blizzard, the company behind the “CoD” franchise, launched a film and TV division to make a live-action “Call of Duty” cinematic universe. While the first attempt was scrapped, the project was resurrected in partnership with Paramount, and a movie is in the works.

Spielberg reportedly wanted to direct the film, but Paramount and Activision turned him down because he wanted complete control over production and marketing. Instead, Pete Berg was chosen to helm the project, which is scheduled for release in 2028.

Steven Spielberg’s Illustrious Career

Spielberg is regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers, with a career spanning more than five decades. Throughout the years, the director has directed some of the most iconic films across different genres, including “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Jurassic Park,” “Schindler’s List,” and “The Color Purple,” just to name a few.

He has earned three Academy Awards, including two for Best Director for “Schindler’s List” and “Saving Private Ryan,” and one for Best Picture for “Schindler’s List.”

Spielberg’s latest project, “Disclosure Day,” a sci-fi film starring Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor, will be released in U.S. theaters on June 12.