Steven Spielberg Says James Bond Movies ‘Constantly Turned Me Down’ and ‘If They Asked Me Now’ to Direct the Answer Would Be: ‘You Can’t Afford Me’

Jun 10, 2026 4:03pm PT Steven Spielberg Says James Bond Movies ‘Constantly Turned Me Down’ and ‘If They Asked Me Now’ to Direct the Answer Would Be: ‘You Can’t Afford Me’

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Zack Sharf

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Steven Spielberg at the "Disclosure Day" New York Premiere held at the David H. Koch Theater on June 08, 2026 in New York, New York.

John Nacion/Variety

Steven Spielberg joined “The Rest Is Entertainment” podcast on his “Disclosure Day” press tour and opened up about his repeated failed attempts to direct a James Bond movie. The Oscar winner made a personal plea to franchise producer Cubby Broccoli after “Jaws” became a blockbuster sensation, but Spielberg was turned down.

“I approached Cubby after ‘Jaws’ was a big hit,” Spielberg said. “I’d always wanted to make a James Bond film from the day I saw ‘Dr. No,’ so I called Cubby after ‘Jaws’ and volunteered. I said, ‘If you need a director, I would love to direct one.’ And he said no.”