Steven Spielberg has disclosed that his lifelong ambition to direct a James Bond movie was thwarted by repeated rejections from longtime franchise producer Albert R. Broccoli. The acclaimed director shared this revelation while promoting his new film Disclosure Day on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast.
Spielberg's Bond Pursuit
Spielberg first approached Broccoli in 1975 after the massive success of Jaws. A fan of the Bond series since Dr. No, he believed the blockbuster hit would open doors to the spy franchise. He contacted Broccoli directly, offering his services, but was given a straightforward no.
Years later, after Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Broccoli sought permission to use the film's iconic five-note musical motif in Moonraker. Spielberg agreed but jokingly tried to negotiate: he offered the music in exchange for directing a Bond movie. Broccoli declined again, though Spielberg still granted permission for the melody.
Despite multiple attempts, Spielberg said he never received an explanation for being kept out of the Bond family. Broccoli consistently turned him down over the years.
The Birth of Indiana Jones
Ironically, these disappointments led to one of Spielberg's most successful collaborations. While vacationing in Hawaii with George Lucas in 1977, before the release of Star Wars: A New Hope, Spielberg shared his Bond story. Lucas responded by pitching a different adventure series, then called "Indiana Smith." This evolved into the Indiana Jones franchise, with Spielberg directing Raiders of the Lost Ark and its sequels.
Reflecting on the past, Spielberg joked that if Bond producers approached him today, they could no longer afford him. The Oscar-winning filmmaker has previously spoken about other major projects he turned down, including the first Harry Potter film, which he declined to spend more time with his young children.
Spielberg is currently promoting Disclosure Day, releasing in cinemas on June 12. Meanwhile, the James Bond franchise continues searching for a new direction after Amazon MGM Studios took creative control.
