Highlights
- Spielberg says he twice asked to direct a James Bond film but was turned down
- The filmmaker first approached Bond producer Cubby Broccoli after the success of Jaws
- A conversation with George Lucas later led him to the creation of the Indiana Jones franchise
- Spielberg says his answer would be very different if Bond producers approached him today
Steven Spielberg has revealed that one of the biggest franchises in cinema repeatedly turned him down, despite his efforts to join it at the height of his early success.
Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast while promoting his latest film Disclosure Day, the Oscar-winning filmmaker recalled how he twice attempted to secure a James Bond directing job. Although he had admired the franchise since watching Dr. No, his requests to direct a Bond film were rejected by longtime producer Cubby Broccoli.
The comments offer a rare glimpse into an alternative chapter of film history, with Spielberg admitting that one of Hollywood's most celebrated directors never managed to enter the Bond world.
Spielberg’s unsuccessful Bond pursuit
Spielberg said he first approached Broccoli after Jaws became a blockbuster hit in 1975.
According to the director, he contacted the producer directly and offered to helm a Bond film if an opportunity became available. Broccoli declined the proposal.
A few years later, following the success of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Broccoli reached out to Spielberg seeking permission to use the film’s famous five-note musical motif in Moonraker.
Spielberg jokingly proposed a trade, offering the music in exchange for the chance to direct Bond. Broccoli again said no, although Spielberg still granted permission for the melody to be used.
The filmmaker said he was consistently turned down and was never given a reason for being excluded from what he described as the Bond family.
The rejection that led to Indiana Jones
The story took an unexpected turn when Spielberg shared his Bond frustrations with George Lucas in 1977 while they were in Hawaii awaiting the release of Star Wars: A New Hope.
Spielberg recalled Lucas telling him he had an idea that was even better than Bond. At the time, the project was called Indiana Smith.
The concept eventually evolved into the Indiana Jones series, one of cinema’s most successful adventure franchises and a defining part of Spielberg’s career.
‘You can’t afford me’
Reflecting on the possibility of directing Bond today, Spielberg joked that his response would be simple: “You can’t afford me.”
The filmmaker has also spoken previously about another major franchise opportunity he chose not to pursue. In 2023, he revealed that he turned down the chance to direct the first Harry Potter film because he wanted to spend more time with his young children.
While the decision meant missing out on a hugely successful franchise, Spielberg said he has no regrets and remains pleased he prioritised family life.
His latest film, Disclosure Day, opened in cinemas on June 12.
The singer jokingly texted Clairo saying, "Let's f**k her up," sparking an online frenzy
Why Charli XCX jokingly declared war on Peppa Pig after one viral comment
Highlights
What started as a playful celebrity game has turned into one of the internet's most unexpected viral moments, with Charli XCX jokingly threatening to "f**k up" Peppa Pig after the beloved cartoon character appeared to dismiss singer Clairo.
The exchange quickly spread across social media, drawing reactions from fans and fellow musicians, while turning an unlikely clash between a pop star and a fictional children's character into a trending talking point.
Peppa Pig's viral remark sparked the joke
The playful exchange began during Peppa Pig's appearance in Pitchfork's Over/Under game, where the animated character rated a selection of music artists.
While expressing admiration for acts including PinkPantheress and The Beatles, Peppa responded to Clairo by saying, "I don't know her," a line widely recognised as a reference to Mariah Carey's famous response when asked about Jennifer Lopez.
The remark, accompanied by a knowing glance at the camera, quickly gained traction online.
Charli XCX rushed to Clairo's defence
After seeing the clip, Charli XCX privately messaged Clairo, writing, "Let's f**k her up," alongside a screenshot of the viral post.
Clairo later shared the exchange on social media, prompting thousands of reactions from fans, many of whom responded with pig and bacon-themed jokes.
PinkPantheress, whom Peppa had praised in the original video, also joined the conversation, posting a message supporting Clairo.
As the exchange continued, Clairo responded to the growing attention with humour, replying to posts before eventually telling followers, "ok that's enoughhhhh lolllllllllll."
Some fans joked that the viral moment was the perfect opportunity for the singer to announce new music, though Clairo replied that she did not have anything ready to share.
Her most recent album, Charm, was released in 2024, with its accompanying tour concluding in 2025.
Charli XCX keeps her focus on new music
While the online joke continued to gather momentum, Charli XCX did not publicly add to the exchange.
Instead, the singer has been focusing on promoting her upcoming album, Music, Fashion, Film, which is scheduled for release on July 24.
Although fans speculated that one of the track titles could be a playful nod to the viral exchange, there has been no indication that the album references the light-hearted social media moment.