Steven Spielberg’s upcoming movie, rumored to revolve around UFOs, has been delayed from its original 2026 date. Since the 2024 announcement of Spielberg’s next film, production details remain minimal, and the project remains untitled. Additionally, the film is expected to resembleSpielberg’s earlier works, such asE.T. The ExtraterrestrialandClose Encounters of the Third Kind.The 2026 film will be his next project following his 2022 Best Picture nomineeThe Fabelmans.
According toDeadline, Spielberg’s untitled movie hasbeen delayed from August 21, 2025, to July 19, 2025. The rescheduling pushes the film into a slotpreviously held by the Daniels’ highly anticipated follow-up toEverything Everywhere All at Once.The delay for Spielberg’s movie is a direct result of the production schedule changes for the Daniels' untitled project, which reportedly needs more time to develop.Deadlinenotes that a new release date for that film is expected soon, but it will remain undated for now.
What This Means For Spielberg’s Release Window
With A Set Release Date For Spielberg’s Film, The Daniels' Next Film May See A New Date Soon
Originally, the May 2026 slot would have had the movie flanked byAvengers: DoomsdayandThe Mandalorianfeature films.Moving to June 2026 places Spielberg’s film in a less crowded window,withScary MovieandToy Story 5catering to a different kind of audience. Moreover, the film’s release date will also coincide with key summer blockbusters, which may benefit its stature. This new release window avoids direct competition with the two of the most anticipated franchise films of the year.
While it may seem unfortunate now, the delay of his upcoming film could prove to be an advantageous move in the long term.
On the production front,Spielberg’s project is reported to star Josh O’Connor, Emily Blunt, Colman Domingo, Colin Firth, and Eve Hewson.Kristie Macosko Krieger will produce for Amblin Entertainment, which was co-founded by Spielberg. Additionally, the film’s script was written by David Koepp, who is a frequent Spielberg collaborator.
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The Daniels' next movie, meanwhile, was originally announced with this release date in early 2024 as the first project of their exclusive first-look deal with Universal. While very little is known about how the filmmakers will follow their Best Picture winner from 2022, it is described as an “event film,” much like Spielberg’s.Deadline’s report references no issues with it beyond needing more time, creating the opportunity for Spielberg to benefit from the open slot in Universal’s calendar.
Our Take On The Delay For Spielberg’s Next Movie
A New Release Date Could Benefit The Film’s Visibility
Spielberg’s decision to shift his release date is a respectable move, considering the intense competition from other major franchises that are supposed to release around the same time. A June 2026 slot provides the movie with space to reach its target audience without getting overshadowed. While it may seem unfortunate now, the delay of his upcoming film could prove to be an advantageous move in the long term.
