Full Breakdown
Spielberg’s Unfulfilled Quest to Direct James Bond
6/11/2026, 6:06:52 AM
The Repeated Rejections
Steven Spielberg, 79, recounted on “The Rest Is Entertainment” podcast that after *Jaws* (1975) he offered Albert “Cubby” Broccoli to direct a James Bond film; Broccoli declined. Following *Close Encounters of the Third Kind* (1977), Spielberg offered the film’s five-note motif for use in *Moonraker* in exchange for a directing slot, and Broccoli again refused, though Spielberg allowed the motif’s use.
Background & Context
Spielberg’s fascination with Bond began with *Dr. No* (1962). After *Jaws*, he pursued the franchise, but Broccoli’s refusals coincided with Spielberg’s collaboration with George Lucas, who proposed the adventure series that became Indiana Jones.
Timeline
- 1975 – *Jaws* success; Spielberg contacts Broccoli.
- 1977 – Offers five-note motif for *Moonraker*; request denied.
- 1977 (later) – Lucas suggests “Indiana Smith” after Spielberg’s Bond rejection.
- 1981-2008 – Spielberg directs the first four Indiana Jones films.
- 2023 – Spielberg promotes *Disclosure Day* (theatrical release June 12, 2026) and revisits the Bond anecdotes.
Why It Matters
The refusals steered Spielberg toward the Indiana Jones series, a cornerstone of his filmography, showing how franchise negotiations can reshape careers and affect competing adventure properties.
Official Statements from Spielberg
Spielberg said his approach to Broccoli was a direct offer after *Jaws* and later a conditional trade involving the *Close Encounters* motif, noting Broccoli never gave a rationale. He added that, with the Bond franchise owned by Amazon’s MGM Studios, he would decline any offer, citing budget constraints.
Criticism & Opposition
Spielberg’s comment that “You can’t afford me” suggests a financial barrier to his involvement, implying the current Bond producers lack the budget to secure his services. The lack of an explanation from Broccoli is highlighted as a point of contention.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I approached Cubby after ‘Jaws’ was a big hit,” — Steven Spielberg, Director
- “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. But I gave him the five notes anyway,” — Steven Spielberg, Director
- “ “When I told that story to George Lucas in 1977, when we were in Hawaii together getting ready for the release of ‘Star Wars: A New Hope,’ he said, ‘I have something better than Bond.” — Steven Spielberg, Director
- “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.’” — Steven Spielberg, Director
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Both Variety and Irish Star articles present identical accounts of Spielberg’s offers and Broccoli’s refusals; no comment from Broccoli is provided, leaving his perspective undocumented.
What’s Next
Spielberg’s interview promotes *Disclosure Day*, set for release on June 12, 2026. The Bond franchise remains under Amazon’s MGM Studios, with Jeff Bezos overseeing future productions.
