John Williams to Score Steven Spielberg’s Upcoming UFO Film — Their 30th Collaboration Marks a Historic Milestone
In a cinematic partnership that has shaped Hollywood for over five decades, legendary composer John Williams is once again joining forces with Steven Spielberg for the director’s forthcoming UFO-themed movie. This marks the 30th collaboration between the two creative icons, whose joint legacy has defined the sound and emotion of modern cinema.
The exciting news was revealed by Damian Woetzel, president of the Juilliard School, during a recent event. Woetzel announced, “John Williams, who is in Los Angeles doing what he does, is working with Steven Spielberg on the next movie. And that is something to be happy about.” The statement immediately sparked excitement among film fans and music enthusiasts alike, eager to see what this legendary duo will create next.
Williams and Spielberg’s collaboration began in 1974 with The Sugarland Express, and since then, the pair has crafted some of the most memorable scores and cinematic experiences of all time. Their partnership produced the terror of Jaws, the wonder of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the grandeur of Jurassic Park, and the emotional depth of Schindler’s List. Each project has cemented their reputations as unparalleled masters of storytelling through sight and sound.
While details about the new UFO film remain tightly under wraps, early reports suggest it will be a return to the kind of awe-inspiring science fiction that made Spielberg a household name. The director will reunite with David Koepp, who wrote Jurassic Park and War of the Worlds, to pen the screenplay. Spielberg’s longtime producing partner Kristie Macosko Krieger, who worked on The Fabelmans and West Side Story, will also join the production team, ensuring a blend of creative continuity and fresh ambition.
The cast lineup already promises star power and depth. Emily Blunt, who recently captivated audiences in Oppenheimer, is set to lead the film. Joining her are Josh O’Connor (Challengers), Colin Firth (The King’s Speech), Eve Hewson (Flora and Son), Colman Domingo (Rustin), and Wyatt Russell (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters). With such an ensemble, the project is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of the decade. The movie is currently targeting a May 2026 release.
Spielberg has long expressed a deep connection to science fiction storytelling, often using the genre as a vehicle for social and philosophical reflection. In a past interview with the BBC, he explained, “It’s easier for an audience to take warnings from sci-fi without feeling that we’re preaching to them. Every science fiction movie I have ever seen, anyone that’s worth its weight in celluloid, warns us about things that ultimately come true.”
This philosophy has been evident throughout his illustrious career — from the childlike wonder of Close Encounters of the Third Kind to the chilling dystopia of Minority Report. His new UFO film is expected to blend mystery, spectacle, and human emotion in a way only Spielberg can achieve.
For John Williams, now 93, this collaboration holds a particularly special significance. After hinting at retirement following Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the composer seems to have found renewed inspiration in reuniting with Spielberg. Their shared history of creative triumphs suggests that this score could become another timeless piece in Williams’ storied career.
Williams’ work has garnered five Academy Awards, 25 Grammys, and a staggering 53 Oscar nominations, second only to Walt Disney. His ability to evoke emotion through melody has turned countless film moments into cultural touchstones — from the haunting two-note motif of Jaws to the triumphant fanfare of Star Wars. With this upcoming UFO project, fans are eager to see how he’ll once again shape the soundscape of Spielberg’s imagination.
Spielberg’s last film, The Fabelmans (2022), was a deeply personal reflection on his childhood and early love for filmmaking. Critics widely praised it as a tender and masterful piece of cinema. Far Out magazine lauded it in a glowing review, describing it as “a memoir, a family drama, a high school comedy, and a celebration of cinema all in one.” Many believed it could have been Spielberg’s farewell to directing, but this new project proves the legendary filmmaker still has stories to tell — and perhaps, new worlds to explore.
As production gears up, excitement continues to build for what could be another monumental entry in the Spielberg–Williams canon. With an ensemble cast, an acclaimed creative team, and the rekindling of one of Hollywood’s most magical partnerships, Spielberg’s UFO film is poised to remind audiences why these two names remain synonymous with cinematic wonder.
For fans of film, music, and the mysteries beyond the stars, the reunion of Steven Spielberg and John Williams is nothing short of a reason to celebrate.
