Steven Spielberg’s Upcoming Sci-Fi Film Compared to ‘E.T.’ & ‘Close Encounters’

We’re not entirely sure what Steven Spielberg’s upcoming sci-fi film is actually about. The only verified detail that’s been reported is that it’ll tackle UFOs. That’s about it.

In an interview with Deadline’s Baz Bamigboye, Josh O’Connor, who stars in Spielberg’s latest, remains mum about the whole thing, but does go on to compare the story to two classic films.

“It’s like old-school Spielberg. ‘Close Encounters,’ ‘E.T. — that world. I think people will be excited.”

This comes after the film’s screenwriter, David Koepp, remarked that Spielberg’s upcoming film would be a return to the filmmaker's old-school brand of cinema.

“Yes, it is like a sci-fi… Well, I don’t know. I’m not supposed to say […] 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.”

Let’s hope that’s the case. These last 10 years, Spielberg’s directed “Bridge of Spies,” “The Post,” “Ready Player One,” “West Side Story,” and “The Fabelmans.” Don’t get me wrong, there’s a couple of strong films in there, but it’ll be great having Spielberg go back to what he does best.

We also don’t have a title yet, although the film has been shooting in New Jersey under the name of “Non-View,” and production grids had it labeled as “The Dish.”

The cast includes Josh O’Connor, Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo, Wyatt Russell and Eve Hewson. Spielberg’s go-to DP Janusz Kamiński will be cinematographer on the film.

The film is based off an original story concocted by Spielberg, and as mentioned, is said to involve UFOs; it’s been described as a “two-hander,” with Blunt playing the central character. Other than that, it’s all been hush hush.

Universal has dated the film for June 12, 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.”