Acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg returned to a topic that has fascinated him for decades: the possibility of extraterrestrial (alien) life. Speaking during a live discussion at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival, the director shared his long-standing belief that humanity may not be alone in the universe.
Spielberg raised the subject while talking about his upcoming project, Disclosure Day. During the conversation, he said the idea of alien life has captured his imagination since childhood. Although he acknowledged having no more proof than anyone else, the filmmaker said he strongly suspects intelligent life exists somewhere beyond Earth.
The director explained that the bigger mystery, in his view, is not simply whether aliens exist but whether humans have ever truly been alone. Public debate in recent years has renewed his interest in the subject. Spielberg pointed to a 2017 New York Times report that described unexplained aerial encounters witnessed by U.S. Navy pilots. Subsequent congressional hearings on unidentified aerial phenomena have also brought the issue back into public conversation.
Spielberg reflects on humanity’s place in the universe
Spielberg said discussions about life beyond Earth gained further attention after remarks from former U.S. President Barack Obama about the possibility of extraterrestrial existence. The filmmaker noted that the timing of those comments seemed fitting given the theme of Disclosure Day.
According to Spielberg, the film explores how humanity might react if long-suspected contact with nonhuman intelligence were ever confirmed. He suggested such a revelation could challenge deeply held religious and cultural beliefs around the world. However, Spielberg emphasized that he does not view the idea as frightening or destructive. Instead, he said the discovery could open a new chapter in understanding humanity’s place in the cosmos.
Despite his fascination with the subject, Spielberg admitted he has never personally witnessed a UFO. He joked that even after directing the classic science-fiction film Close Encounters of the Third Kind, he has yet to see anything unexplained in the sky.
Director voices support for theaters and creative storytelling
The SXSW session was recorded as a live episode of The Big Picture, hosted by Sean Fennessey. The event opened with a montage celebrating Spielberg’s career, featuring scenes from films such as Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park, Catch Me If You Can, and Munich. Filmmakers Robert Rodriguez and Daniel Kwan were among those attending the discussion.
During the conversation, Spielberg also defended the importance of movie theaters. While acknowledging the value of streaming platforms and noting his work with Netflix, he said the most powerful movie experience still happens in theaters, where audiences watch stories together and share a collective emotional response.
The director also cautioned against relying too heavily on sequels and franchise formulas, arguing that original filmmaking allows audiences to encounter new ideas. On artificial intelligence, Spielberg said the technology can be useful in many fields but should not replace human creativity in filmmaking.
Spielberg concluded by confirming he is currently developing a Western film. He added that he has little interest in social media and has no plans to stop making movies anytime soon.