Steven Spielberg has revealed that one of the biggest missed opportunities of his career was directing a James Bond film, saying he was rejected twice by longtime franchise producer Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli despite actively seeking the job.
Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, Spielberg said he first approached Broccoli after the blockbuster success of Jaws, expressing his desire to direct a Bond movie.
However, the producer declined his offer. Spielberg tried again after the release of Close Encounters of the Third Kind when Broccoli contacted him seeking permission to use the film’s famous five-note musical motif in Moonraker.
Spielberg jokingly offered the rights in exchange for directing a Bond film, but Broccoli again turned him down.
Despite the rejection, Spielberg allowed the music to be used and said he was never given a reason for being excluded from the Bond franchise.
The setback ultimately led to a major career breakthrough when George Lucas introduced him to the concept that became the Indiana Jones series.
Asked whether he would direct a Bond film today, Spielberg quipped that the franchise could no longer afford him. The next Bond film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve. (PTI)
