‘Vast spectacle with really honest human emotion’: Everything to know about Steven Spielberg’s new sci-fi film, set for summer 2026

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Steven Spielberg is once again venturing into the realm of science fiction with a highly anticipated new film slated for release on June 12, 2026. The film, which remains officially untitled, marks the director’s return to the sci-fi genre, four decades after iconic works such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

At a recent event on the Universal Pictures lot, held to honor Spielberg with a new state-of-the-art movie theater named after him, the director presented an exclusive first look of footage from the upcoming film to the guests in attendance. While detailed plot information has not been released, the screenplay is written by David Koepp, a frequent Spielberg collaborator known for writing Jurassic Park and War of the Worlds. The story is based on an original idea by Spielberg. According to Variety, it’s been heavily rumored the project is a UFO adventure.

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In an interview with Deadline at the world premiere of Jurassic World: Rebirth, Koepp confirmed that filming had wrapped by the end of May 2025. “We finished shooting about three weeks ago. I think it looks fantastic,” Koepp said. While he declined to provide story details or reveal the film’s title, Koepp praised Spielberg’s ability to bring the script to life. “Honestly, what he does so brilliantly is he combines a vast spectacle with really honest human emotion. Unlike I think any other director. It’s a very emotional experience this movie,” said Koepp. "He wrote a story, 40 or 50 pages, and said read this and tell me what you think. I said, 'I think it's great,' and then we started the process. He came up with the story and I wrote the script but he was constantly involved."

Steven Spielberg and E.T. in 1982 Universal Pictures/Everett Collection

According to Variety, the footage shown at the Universal event features Emily Blunt as a woman living in a rural setting whose life is disrupted when she is pursued by what appear to be government operatives in unmarked black SUVs. A dramatic action sequence shows Josh O’Connor’s character trapped inside a car heading toward an oncoming train, escaping through the windshield just before impact.

Colin Firth appears in a scene set inside an underground laboratory or bunker, hinting at a possible government or secret organization element. Eve Hewson and Colman Domingo also appear briefly, though their roles remain undisclosed.

The film’s costume design is by Paul Tazewell, who recently won an Oscar for his work on Wicked. The production is a collaboration between Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment.

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In addition to the new sci-fi film, Spielberg also spoke about his future plans in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He shared his continued interest in directing a Western, a genre he has not yet tackled. “It’s something that’s eluded me for all of these decades,” Spielberg said.

At the theater naming event, Spielberg confirmed he has no plans to retire. “I’m making a lot of movies and I have no plans… ever… to retire,” he said.

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