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Steven Spielberg once revealed that he was rejected twice from helming aJames Bondfilm. He shared that it was right after the success of his blockbuster film,Jaws. When he approached producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, he shared that Spielberg didn’t have enough experience to direct a big-budget film likeJames Bond.
However, Spielberg had the last laugh since he became one of the pioneer filmmakers in the industry. He has far outgrown the spy thriller franchise, which is looking to reboot the character for a modern audience after Daniel Craig retired from the role.
Steven Spielberg Was Rejected From Helming AJames BondFilm Despite HisJawsSuccess
James Bondfilms were brought to life by six different actors and directed by twelve different directors.Steven Spielbergcould’ve joined the likes of Guy Hamilton, Martin Campbell, andSam Mendesif producer Albert Broccoli hadn’t rejected him. Spielberg shared the story of his rejection to Michael Ball on BBC Radio 2.
“I think it did stall his career by about four or five years”: Steven Spielberg Felt Bad How Leonardo DiCaprio’s 1 Movie Turned Him Into a ‘Prisoner’ That Took a Toll on His Career
He shared that he approached the founder of Eon Productions twice to direct a Bond film. At the time, Spielberg had created the biggest summer blockbuster in Hollywood,Jaws. However, Broccoli didn’t think the director was not right to helm the spy thriller. Spielberg tried his luck a second time after the success of his filmClose Encounters of the Third Kind.
He was once again turned down. He shared that the franchise couldn’t afford him now and shared that Barbara Broccoli should forget trying to get him on board. Spielberg shared on BBC Radio 2 (via Independent):
I called Cubby Broccoli twice, and after Jaws which was such a huge success, I thought ‘Hey people are giving me final cut now.’ So I called up Cubby and offered my services but he didn’t think I was right for the part. Then even after Close Encounters [of the Third Kind] came out and was a big hit – once again – I tried to get on a Bond film and now they can’t afford me. So Barbara, forget it.
Further expanding the story another time in an interview withTHR, Spielberg shared that Broccoli’s reply to him was that he was not experienced enough. Broccoli told him,“If we do a Bond movie on water, we might consider you!”Spielberg further added that Broccoli asked permission to use the famous five musical notes inClose EncountersforMoonraker.
From the timeline, it appears that Spielberg went for a shot at directing eitherThe Spy Who Loved MeorMoonraker.
The NewJames BondReboot Hasn’t Found The Right Director Yet
Barbara Broccoli is yet to tap in a director and actor for the new reboot of James Bond after Daniel Craig’s exit.Christopher Nolanearlier expressed his interest in directing a Bond movie, envisioning it as a spy thriller based on the original material by Ian Fleming.
He shared withPlayboythat he engaged in discussions with James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. However, the creative control over the films becamea major stumbling block, potentially leading Nolan to formally dismiss the idea (via Associated Press).
“I watch it every year at least once”: Guillermo del Toro Considers 1 Steven Spielberg Movie Criminally Underrated That Had Made Tom Hanks ‘Beg’ to Join the Cast
Man of SteeldirectorZack Snyderrevealed his desire to make a movieexploring a 20-something James Bond. It would act as an origin story of sorts for the character. Snyder shared that the movie will delve into the humble roots of the character and the trauma that shaped him into a spy agent.
Skyfall director Sam Mendes believes that a woman director should take the lead for the next James Bond film (via Deadline). Mendes points out that the character transformed from a misogynistic figure to a more respectful and modern portrayal. He believes thatthis evolution should be reflected behind the scenesas well.
TheJames Bondmovies are now available for streaming on MGM+.
Hashim Asraff
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3019
Hashim Asraff is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, with over 2,800 articles published on celebrity culture, comic book movies, and major TV franchises. With a background in Sociology and a keen interest in pop culture, Hashim brings a unique lens to breaking news stories, character deep-dives, film rankings, and fan-driven perspectives.His coverage often includes the MCU, DCU, hit network shows, and celebrity profiles, giving readers a rich blend of entertainment and analysis. A longtime fan of crime and investigative series, Hashim has watched thousands of episodes of NCIS, Criminal Minds, Law & Order: SVU, Bones, Blue Bloods, and The RookieA passionate storyteller and wordsmith, Hashim has also worked as a ghostwriter and managed multiple social media handles. He brought his writing expertise to FandomWire to also pursue his lifelong love for cinema and television.
