The Steven Spielberg Conversation - The Big Picture Recap

Podcast: The Big Picture

Published: 2026-03-23

Duration: 4026

Guests: Steven Spielberg

What Happened

Steven Spielberg's new science fiction film, 'Disclosure Day', is set to open on June 12th. Spielberg describes the film as fast-paced, reflecting the trends in modern cinema, influenced by the rapidity of music videos and commercials. Despite this, Spielberg emphasizes the importance of intuition over planning in filmmaking, allowing for spontaneity and collaboration on set.

Spielberg recounts his longstanding interest in science fiction, which began after watching 'Destination Moon' and further developed with projects like 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and 'War of the Worlds'. His fascination with UFOs was rekindled by a 2017 New York Times article. Despite making films about extraterrestrial life, Spielberg has never personally seen a UFO but believes in the existence of life beyond Earth.

The director discusses his personal connections to films, noting 'E.T.' as a joyful experience that inspired his desire for children. He also speaks about 'The Fablemans' as a deeply personal project, describing it as $40 million worth of therapy. Spielberg has prioritized family over directing in the past two decades, which has given him a unique perspective on balancing personal and professional life.

Spielberg shares insights into his film collaborations, highlighting his work with actors like Tom Cruise and the importance of blocking in both film and television. He reflects on the unpredictability of filmmaking, using 'Jaws' as an example where technical malfunctions led to creative breakthroughs. Spielberg also mentions his intention to develop a Western film that challenges traditional tropes.

The filmmaker is committed to the theatrical experience, stressing the importance of communal viewing despite the rise of portable media. He has watched every nominated film and short for the Academy Awards, demonstrating his dedication to staying informed about contemporary cinema. Spielberg expresses support for AI in various disciplines but opposes its use as a replacement for human creativity in filmmaking.

Spielberg humorously refrains from revealing the last great thing he's seen to avoid displeasing his wife. He acknowledges the industry's changes, noting Amazon MGM's efforts to fill a gap by releasing more films annually, and praises the success of 'Project Hail Mary', which drew comparisons to major sci-fi films and achieved significant box office earnings.

Key Insights