Screenwriter David Koepp recently hinted that Steven Spielberg‘s upcoming film represents a nostalgic return to his cinematic roots. While Spielberg remains involved in the remake of Bullitt, this new project is reportedly centered around UFOs and marks a much-anticipated reunion with Koepp, who has collaborated with the director on iconic films such as Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), War of the Worlds (2005), and Jurassic Park (1993). The cast boasts notable talents including Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Wyatt Russell, Josh O’Connor, and Colman Domingo.
In a recent discussion with The Playlist, Koepp confirmed that Spielberg’s next project is firmly rooted in the sci-fi genre. Although he refrained from sharing plot specifics, he suggested that it echoes a tone reminiscent of Spielberg’s earlier classics. Here’s what Koepp had to say:
“Yes, it is like a sci-fi… Well, I don’t know. I’m not supposed to say. But, yes, it is. It does harken back to maybe a different tone than [what he’s done lately]. Something he used to do that he hasn’t done for a little bit.”
Understanding Koepp’s Tease: Implications for Spielberg’s Sci-Fi Venture
A Look Back at Spielberg’s Sci-Fi Classics
It has been a while since Spielberg directed a standalone sci-fi blockbuster. His 2018 film Ready Player One received mixed reviews and is viewed as one of his lesser works. The filmmaker’s last significant entry into the sci-fi genre was War of the Worlds, released nearly 20 years ago.
Spielberg has an impressive legacy in sci-fi filmmaking, with notable works such as Minority Report (2002) and A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) to his credit. Classics like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) continue to resonate with audiences. Koepp’s comments hint that this forthcoming film will not resemble the style of Ready Player One, but will instead be aligned with the essence of those cherished earlier films.
For reference, Ready Player One holds a critic score of 71% and an audience score of 77% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Our Perspective on Koepp’s Insights Regarding Spielberg
A Promising Shift Back to Sci-Fi for Spielberg
Although The Fabelmans (2022) received critical acclaim and West Side Story (2021) was well-received, the prospect of Spielberg returning to blockbuster filmmaking is exhilarating for fans. Few directors can match Spielberg’s ability to tell grand stories in a blockbuster format, and many of his sci-fi films are hailed as some of his most significant contributions to cinema.
A defining characteristic of Spielberg’s sci-fi heritage, particularly excluding Ready Player One, is that they often portray poignant human narratives within a grounded universe, despite the fantastical elements. Koepp’s presence as the screenwriter is a testament to the film’s potential for returning to this deeply relatable storytelling approach. With an impressive cast and a revival of the tone that defined Spielberg’s earlier work, this upcoming project is well-positioned to be a major success.
Source: The Playlist
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