Despite having a sprawling career, featuring award-winning movies with A-listers, director Steven Spielberg had one wish—To direct a James Bond film. However, the director has now revealed that was rejected twice and believes that the makers cannot afford him.
During a recent interview on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, the Disclosure Day director was asked whether he had any regrets about not helming a 007 film.
"I have regrets that they didn't approach me to direct a Bond film. I approached Cubby Broccoli (James Bond franchise producer) after Jaws was a big hit. I'd always wanted to make a James Bond film from the day I saw Dr. No, so I called Broccoli and volunteered. I said, 'If you need a director, I would love to direct one.' And he said no and he moved on," he shared.
Spielberg tried once again after Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) hit theatres when Broccoli called him asking to use the movie's iconic five-note musical melody in a scene in 1979's Moonraker. This time, he had a good deal in hand. However, that too went in vain.
"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," Spielberg recalled. "They consistently turned me down. He never explained why he wasn't letting me into the Bond family," he added.
Missed opportunities aside, Spielberg bounced back to create the memorable and iconic Indiana Jones franchise (1981-2023).
"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. It's called Indiana Smith,' which is what it was called at the time. He told me the premise of the Indiana Jones series, and that's how I got that job."
But is he still open to helming a James Bond film? "My answer would be: 'You can't afford me'," he replied.
The franchise is now with Amazon MGM Studios with Dune director Denis Villeneuve set to direct the next installment. The search for the next actor to play Bond after Daniel Craig is still on.
Spielberg's latest film, Disclosure Day, is currently playing in theatres.
