Steven Spielberg reveals 'James Bond' producers rejected him multiple times
Director reveals repeated attempts to join 007 franchise before creating 'Indiana Jones'
Steven Spielberg revealed that his long-held ambition to direct a James Bond film was rejected multiple times by legendary 007 producer Albert "Cubby" Broccoli.
The Oscar-winning filmmaker shared the story during an appearance on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, explaining that he repeatedly approached the Bond franchise after achieving major success in Hollywood but was never invited into the famed spy series.
Spielberg Pursued 'James Bond' After 'Jaws' Success
Spielberg said his interest in the franchise began after watching Dr. No, the first James Bond film released in 1962.
"I'd always wanted to make a James Bond film from the day I saw Dr No," Spielberg said.
Following the blockbuster success of Jaws, the director contacted Broccoli directly and offered his services.
"So I called Cubby Broccoli after Jaws and I volunteered. I said, if you need a director, I would love to direct one. And he said, no. And he moved on."
Another Rejection Followed Close Encounters
According to Spielberg, a second opportunity appeared to emerge after Close Encounters of the Third Kind became a major hit.
The filmmaker recalled that Broccoli contacted him seeking permission to use the iconic five-note musical motif from Close Encounters in the 1979 Bond film Moonraker.
"Cubby called me again after Close Encounters came out and that was a big hit," Spielberg 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, nope. But I gave him the five notes anyway."
Moonraker ultimately starred Roger Moore as James Bond and was directed by Lewis Gilbert.
George Lucas Offered 'Something Better Than Bond'
Although Spielberg never joined the 007 franchise, the rejection indirectly led him to another iconic film series.
The director recalled that filmmaker George Lucas approached him with an idea that would eventually become Indiana Jones.
"That's when George said, I have something better than Bond. It's called Indiana Smith, which is what it was called at the time," Spielberg said.
"And he told me the premise of the Indiana Jones series. And that's how I got that job."
Spielberg went on to direct Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
'They Can't Afford Me Now'
Despite his affection for the Bond franchise, Spielberg suggested the opportunity has now passed.
"[Broccoli] never explained why he wasn't letting me in the Bond family," he said.
The director then joked that even if the franchise approached him today, the answer would likely be no.
"If they ever asked me to make a Bond film now, my answer would be: you can't afford me."
Spielberg's comments come as the James Bond franchise prepares for its next chapter. Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has been selected to direct the upcoming 007 film, with Steven Knight attached as screenwriter under Amazon MGM Studios' partnership with producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
