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Entertainment
Jun 11, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

Steven Spielberg Reveals Why He Never Directed a James Bond Film

AI Summary
Steven Spielberg disclosed that he was turned down twice by producer Cubby Broccoli in the 1970s, even after offering the iconic five‑note theme for *Moonraker*. The snub redirected him toward *Raiders of the Lost Ark* and the birth of Indiana Jones, and he now jokes that the Bond franchise could never afford his services.

Steven Spielberg’s Unfulfilled Bond Ambition

Steven Spielberg told listeners of The Rest Is Entertainment podcast that the producers of the James Bond series turned him down twice, and that today the franchise could not afford his fee.

Two Rejections by Cubby Broccoli in the Late 1970s

  • 1975: After the blockbuster success of Jaws, Spielberg called legendary Bond producer Cubby Broccoli and volunteered to direct a 007 film. Broccoli declined.
  • 1977: Following the hit Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Broccoli approached Spielberg to license the film’s distinctive five‑tone musical motif for the upcoming Bond entry Moonraker. Spielberg offered the theme in exchange for a directing slot; Broccoli again said “no.”

The Five‑Note Theme Deal That Never Materialised

Despite the second refusal, Spielberg granted Broccoli permission to use the five‑note theme in Moonraker, a gesture that underscored his willingness to collaborate but also highlighted the missed opportunity for a Spielberg‑directed Bond.

How the Bond Snub Shaped Spielberg’s Career Path

The rejection narrative directly fed into Spielberg’s next breakthrough. While discussing the Bond rebuff with George Lucas during the release of Star Wars, Lucas offered Spielberg a new project, describing it as “Indiana Smith” – later known as Indiana Jones. This pivot led to the creation of the iconic adventure franchise.

What a Spielberg‑Directed Bond Could Mean for Modern Franchises

Spielberg concluded that if the Bond producers ever approached him again, his answer would be, “you can’t afford me.” His comment reflects both the inflated budgets of contemporary franchise filmmaking and the lasting impact of his early career decisions on Hollywood’s blockbuster landscape.