Steven Spielberg Says James Bond Movies Rejected His Offer to Direct

Director Steven Spielberg revealed on “The Rest Is Entertainment” podcast that producer Cubby Broccoli repeatedly rejected his requests to direct a James Bond film. Despite offers following the success of “Jaws” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” Spielberg was denied entry into the franchise, eventually leading him to collaborate with George Lucas on Indiana Jones.

Why did Steven Spielberg fail to direct James Bond?

Spielberg first approached producer Cubby Broccoli after “Jaws” became a blockbuster hit. He volunteered to direct a Bond film because he had wanted to do so since seeing “Dr. No,” but Broccoli said no, according to Spielberg.

A second attempt occurred after the release of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Broccoli contacted Spielberg to request the use of the movie’s five-note musical melody for a scene in “Moonraker.”

Spielberg offered a deal to grant permission for the music if Broccoli let him direct a Bond film. Broccoli declined the deal, though Spielberg gave him the notes anyway. The director stated that Broccoli never explained why he was excluded from the “Bond family.”

Did You Know? Before the series became a global phenomenon, George Lucas originally referred to the premise of the Indiana Jones franchise as “Indiana Smith.”

How did the Bond rejection lead to Indiana Jones?

The lack of opportunity with the Bond franchise led directly to the creation of another iconic series. In 1977, Spielberg and George Lucas were in Hawaii preparing for the release of “Star Wars: A New Hope.”

Steven Spielberg Podcast Interview Disclosure Day, ET, Close Encounters, Jaws, Raiders, Private Ryan

After Spielberg shared his frustrations regarding the Bond rejections, Lucas told him he had “something better than Bond.” Lucas pitched the premise of the series then called “Indiana Smith,” which secured the job for Spielberg.

Regarding the possibility of directing a Bond film today, Spielberg stated that the producers “can’t afford” him.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that the rejection by Broccoli created a necessary vacuum that allowed Spielberg to pivot toward original intellectual property. By trading a pre-existing franchise like Bond for the development of Indiana Jones, the director moved from a hired hand to a primary architect of a new cinematic legacy.

Which other major franchises did Steven Spielberg turn down?

Beyond the Bond series, Spielberg declined an offer to helm the first “Harry Potter” movie. In a 2023 interview, the director explained that he chose to prioritize his family over the role.

He spent the subsequent year and a half with his young children. Spielberg stated that while he sacrificed a “great franchise,” he is happy with the decision to be with his family.

The director is currently on a press tour for “Disclosure Day,” which opens in theaters June 12.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Steven Spielberg not direct a James Bond movie?
Producer Cubby Broccoli turned him down multiple times, including after the success of “Jaws” and during a negotiation over music for “Moonraker.”

What was the original name of the Indiana Jones series?
According to Spielberg, George Lucas initially called the project “Indiana Smith.”

Why did Steven Spielberg decline the first Harry Potter film?
He turned down the offer to spend a year and a half with his young children.

Which iconic movie duo do you think is more influential: James Bond or Indiana Jones?