The 2 Most Anticipated New Steven Spielberg Films: Everything We Know About His Secret UFO Epic And The Bullitt Reimagining

The legendary director Steven Spielberg is back in the director's chair, and his upcoming slate is generating massive buzz across the industry. As of December 2025, the focus is squarely on his return to the sci-fi genre, a move that promises to evoke the wonder of his early classics like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. His next theatrical release is a top-secret, untitled "original event film" that has already wrapped filming, securing a prime summer release date in 2026, proving that even a master filmmaker can work in total secrecy.

This article provides the most current, up-to-date information on Steven Spielberg’s next two major directorial projects, including cast confirmations, genre details, and production status updates for both his mysterious 2026 sci-fi feature and the long-rumored, highly anticipated reimagining of the classic cop thriller, Bullitt, starring Bradley Cooper. Fans of the iconic filmmaker have much to look forward to, as Spielberg continues to explore new narratives while revisiting the genres that defined his career.

Steven Spielberg’s Next Film: The Untitled 2026 Sci-Fi/UFO Event

The most immediate and concrete project on Steven Spielberg's directorial schedule is an untitled science-fiction film set to dominate the summer box office. This movie marks a significant return for the director to the extraterrestrial themes he perfected decades ago, though sources suggest it will be a fresh, non-invasion-focused take on the subject of UFOs and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). The project is being handled with the utmost secrecy, but recent production updates have confirmed key details.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

The Production Timeline and Release Date

The film, which is being produced by Amblin Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures, has moved quickly through production. It was announced as an "original event film" and has already completed principal photography, an impressive pace for a project of this scale.

• Release Date: The film is scheduled to hit theaters on June 12, 2026. This date was strategically shifted from an earlier May slot to give it more breathing room in a crowded blockbuster calendar, demonstrating the studio's confidence in its box office potential.
• Production Status: Filming has officially wrapped. The post-production phase is now underway, where the film’s visual effects and John Williams' score will be integrated.
• Genre: It is confirmed to be a sci-fi film centered on a UFO story and extraterrestrial visitors. Screenwriter David Koepp has hinted that the narrative focuses on contact and discovery rather than a typical alien invasion scenario.

Creative Team and Confirmed Cast Members

Spielberg has assembled a stellar team of collaborators, both old and new, for this top-secret feature. The reunion with his long-time writing partner and composer is a major highlight, promising a return to the classic Spielbergian cinematic experience.

The Screenplay and Music: A Dream Team Reunion

The screenplay was penned by David Koepp, based on an original story concept by Steven Spielberg himself. Koepp is a frequent Spielberg collaborator, having written the scripts for blockbusters like Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and War of the Worlds. Their partnership is one of the most successful in modern cinema, lending immediate credibility to the film's potential.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

In a thrilling announcement for fans, legendary composer John Williams is set to score the film. This collaboration marks the 30th feature film the two masters have worked on together, a partnership that has created some of the most iconic film scores in history, from Jaws to Schindler’s List to Indiana Jones. Williams’ involvement alone suggests a film that will emphasize wonder, emotion, and epic scope.

The Ensemble Cast

While official plot details remain under wraps, the cast list is beginning to reveal the caliber of talent involved. The ensemble nature of the cast suggests a story that focuses on multiple human perspectives reacting to an extraordinary event.

• Emily Blunt: The acclaimed actress, known for her roles in Oppenheimer and A Quiet Place, is rumored to be part of the leading cast.
• Josh O’Connor: The star of Challengers and The Crown has officially joined the cast, adding another layer of prestige to the ensemble.
• Other Notables: Early reports also link actors Colman Domingo, Colin Firth, and Eve Hewson to the project, though their roles remain unconfirmed.

The Bullitt Reimagining: Bradley Cooper as Frank Bullitt

Following the completion of his sci-fi epic, Steven Spielberg's attention is expected to turn to a project that has been in development for several years: a new take on the iconic police detective, Lieutenant Frank Bullitt. This film is not a remake of the 1968 classic starring Steve McQueen, but rather an original story centered around the character.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

A New Vision for an Iconic Character

The original Bullitt is famed for its groundbreaking car chase sequence through the streets of San Francisco and Steve McQueen’s effortlessly cool portrayal of the no-nonsense cop. Spielberg's version aims to capture the spirit of the character while telling a completely new story, making it a character-driven reimagining rather than a direct retread of the plot.

Key Details and Production Status

• Star: Academy Award-nominated actor and director Bradley Cooper is attached to star as Lieutenant Frank Bullitt. Cooper will also serve as a producer, indicating a deep creative commitment to the role.
• Screenwriter: The script is being written by Oscar-winning screenwriter Josh Singer, known for his work on Spotlight and The Post (which Spielberg directed).
• Status: The project is currently in the "very early stages" of development. Singer has confirmed that the screenplay is not yet complete, suggesting that this film will follow the 2026 sci-fi movie. This cautious approach ensures that the script is fully realized before filming begins.
• Creative Approach: The new film is described as being "wildly original," promising to deliver a fresh perspective on the laconic, action-man cop.

The decision to focus on an original story allows Spielberg and Cooper to honor the legacy of the Frank Bullitt character—his quiet intensity, his commitment to justice, and his distinctive style—without being constrained by the narrative of the original film. This approach is generating significant excitement, as it combines the meticulous action direction of Spielberg with the modern dramatic intensity of Cooper.

The Steven Spielberg Legacy and Future Projects

Steven Spielberg’s career is a masterclass in cinematic versatility, effortlessly moving between genres like science fiction (E.T., Close Encounters), historical drama (Schindler’s List, Lincoln), and adventure (Indiana Jones). The current slate of films—a mysterious sci-fi epic and a gritty cop thriller—demonstrates his continued commitment to diverse and ambitious storytelling.

A Return to the Signature Sci-Fi Style

The 2026 untitled film is a significant event because it marks Spielberg’s first return to the pure sci-fi genre since 2005’s War of the Worlds. Fans are eager to see how the director, now in his late 70s, will tackle the subject of extraterrestrial contact in the modern era, especially given the current public interest in UAPs. By focusing on a "not an invasion" story, Spielberg may be signaling a return to the themes of wonder, discovery, and human connection that made his early sci-fi films so beloved.

The Power of Collaboration

The consistent use of core collaborators is a hallmark of Spielberg’s success. The involvement of David Koepp and the record-breaking 30th film with John Williams provides a strong foundation of creative synergy. These partnerships ensure that even as the subject matter changes, the films maintain a signature quality of technical excellence and emotional depth. The integration of new talent like Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor with established masters ensures the projects appeal to both lifelong fans and a new generation of moviegoers.

The Road Ahead: Entities and Influence

Spielberg remains one of the most powerful producers in Hollywood through his company, Amblin Partners. While directing his own projects, he continues to oversee a massive slate of other films and television shows. His influence extends across the industry, touching everything from blockbuster franchises to prestige dramas. The anticipation for both the 2026 sci-fi movie and the Bullitt reimagining confirms his status as a director whose new work is an event in itself, irrespective of the genre.

Fans can look forward to more concrete details, including an official title and trailer, for the Untitled 2026 Sci-Fi Film as it moves deeper into post-production. Meanwhile, the Bullitt project remains a tantalizing prospect for a future release, potentially in late 2027 or 2028, depending on the completion of Josh Singer's screenplay and Bradley Cooper's schedule.