Steven Spielberg Hits Back at James Bond After Multiple Rejections: “You Can’t Afford Me”

Steven Spielberg has never been a stranger to big-budget movies and franchises. The Oscar-winning filmmaker has always worked with great visions that lead to even better executions. However, one feather missing from his cap has been related to the James Bond franchise. 

During a recent appearance on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast to promote his latest film, Disclosure Day, Spielberg reflected on his long-standing desire to direct a 007 movie and the repeated rejections he received from Bond producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli. He admitted that he pursued the opportunity more than once during the 1970s, but was always turned away without an explanation. Looking back, Spielberg joked that the Bond franchise missed its chance, saying that if he were offered a Bond film today, his answer would be simple: “You can’t afford me.”

Steven Spielberg Wanted to Direct James Bond Movie After Jaws Success

Steven Spielberg in The Late Show With Stephen Colbert | Credits: YouTube/The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

Long before he became the face of blockbuster filmmaking, Steven Spielberg was a devoted James Bond fan. According to the director, his fascination with 007 began when he watched Dr. No, the first Bond film released in 1962. After the massive success of Jaws in 1975, Spielberg believed he was ready to dip his toes in the Bond universe.

Speaking on the podcast, Spielberg recalled reaching out directly to Cubby Broccoli, the longtime producer who oversaw the Bond franchise for decades. He shared,

The answer was no. And that too without any explanation or reasoning. Years later, Spielberg tried again after the success of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. But to no avail. 

One particular anecdote Spielberg shared involved the 1979 Bond film Moonraker. Spielberg recalled that Bond producers wanted permission to use the famous five-note musical motif from Close Encounters. He jokingly suggested a trade: they could use the music if he got to direct a Bond movie. Even though he ultimately gave them permission to use the music, the answer remained unchanged.

James Bond Rejection Led to Steven Spielberg Helming Indiana Jones

Although Spielberg never got his chance to direct 007, the rejection ultimately paved the way for another iconic franchise. 

While vacationing in Hawaii with filmmaker George Lucas, Spielberg mentioned his dream of making a Bond movie. Lucas responded with a pitch that would change cinema history. According to Spielberg, Lucas told him, “I have something better than Bond.”

That “something better” eventually became the Indiana Jones franchise. The collaboration led to 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark, introducing audiences to the adventurous archaeologist Indiana Jones. The film became a global phenomenon and launched one of Hollywood’s most beloved franchises. Over the following decades, Spielberg directed multiple Indiana Jones films while also creating alien movies such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and others, including Jurassic Park and Schindler’s List.

Now, after decades of success, Spielberg can look back on the Bond rejection with a sense of humor. What once seemed like a missed opportunity for Spielberg may, in hindsight, have been an even bigger missed opportunity for James Bond.

What would a Steven Spielberg-envisioned James Bond movie look like? Share your thoughts in the comments.