Steven Spielberg to Direct Sci-Fi Epic ‘Old Man's War'

I meant to report on this one earlier, but it somehow got lost in the cracks.

Steven Spielberg’s next film, after the one he’s supposed to be shooting next year, is already being set up. I’ve seen a grid for it, and so has scooper Daniel Richtman.

Spielberg is set to direct an adaptation of "Old Man’s War" based on John Scalzi’s bestselling sci-fi series. The film is currently in development, and since this is not up next for Spielberg, there’s obviously no word yet on casting. Here’s the synopsis:

The story centers on 75-year-old John Perry, who enlists in the military after losing his wife and best friend. His consciousness is transferred into a genetically enhanced, youthful body, giving him a second shot at life—on the battlefield. But here’s the kicker: John finds himself fighting alongside the younger version of his wife. The twist? It’s her body, but with a stranger’s mind, leaving John battling heartbreak while trying to rekindle a lost love amidst an intergalactic war.

For now, Spielberg is in final prep to shoot “The Dish,” another sci-fi film, starring Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colman Domingo, and Colin Firth. A February shoot in New Jersey has been set up for the film. Spielberg’s go-to DP Janusz Kamiński will be lensing the film.

“The Dish” is based off an original story concocted by Spielberg, was written by “Jurassic Park” scribe David Koepp, and is said to involve UFOs. Other than that, plot details are currently being kept under wraps, but it is being described as a “two-hander,” with Blunt playing the central character.

Universal has dated the film for May 15, 2026, which means it’s set to be Spielberg’s first adult-oriented summer movie since 2008’s “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skull.”

Spielberg’s last film was 2022’s “The Fabelmans,” the most personal statement of his career, and one which garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews and a Toronto audience award to boot. This came after another critically acclaimed film, 2021’s “West Side Story,” which was itself a seven-time Oscar nominee.