Steven Spielberg is preparing to unveil its latest extraterrestrial sci-fi project, and its latest remarks about the film suggest it might hit closer to home than audiences think.
Speaking at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, the director said the film would be “more truth than fiction,” adding that it would leave audiences with answers, but also some lingering questions. He also used the opportunity to urge studios to keep films in theaters longer and invest more in original storytelling.
Steven Spielberg reveals ‘Disclosure Day’ is ‘more truth than fiction’
Spielberg has built a decades-long reputation as one of Hollywood’s most influential filmmakers, with a catalog that spans everything from historical dramas to science fiction classics. Now, the director returns to extraterrestrial storytelling with his latest project, “Disclosure Day.”
Set to hit theaters in June, the film has become one of the most anticipated releases of 2026. Speaking at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Spielberg delivered a preview that got people talking.
While no stranger to the genre, the director made it clear that this project takes a different approach. He described the film as “more truth than fiction”, suggesting that it might rely heavily on real-world ideas, or at least widely discussed theories about extraterrestrial life, rather than pure imagination.
The director told fans what to expect from his new film
In his CinemaCon speech, Spielberg also revealed what brought him back to alien storytelling for the first time in over two decades.
The filmmaker discussed a 2017 New York Times report detailing U.S. military pilots’ encounters with unidentified flying objects, noting that similar sightings have only become more frequent since his last sci-fi film, “War of the Worlds.”
Spielberg didn’t reveal plot details, but made it clear that the film isn’t about getting straight answers. “I really, truly believe that this film is going to answer the questions,” he told attendees, before adding: “And this film is also going to make you ask a lot of questions.”
“All you need from start to finish is a seat belt,” he continued.
Ahead of its June debut, a teaser and full trailer have already been released for “Disclosure Day.” However, CinemaCon attendees also saw some new exclusive footage that has not yet been released to the public.
The music video centers on Emily Blunt, who plays a local meteorologist. In the middle of a broadcast, his speech abruptly stops before turning into a series of unintelligible sounds, leaving viewers visibly disturbed.
Blunt is joined by a stacked cast that also includes Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth and Colman Domingo.
Spielberg wants studios to keep films in theaters longer
As a seasoned filmmaker, Spielberg had more on his mind at CinemaCon than just promoting his latest project. He also took the opportunity to talk about preserving the theatrical experience that once defined how audiences interacted with films.
The director argued that films should stay in theaters for longer periods before moving to domestic platforms, welcoming efforts to expand exclusive windows. He highlighted steps taken by Universal Pictures executives, particularly Donna Langley, to extend the length of theatrical releases to approximately 45 days.
“Audiences will find what they want to watch whether the films are big or small, but studios need to help us by dramatically expanding exclusive windows like Donna just did,” Spielberg said, per Variety.
Steven Spielberg calls for more original films
Spielberg also used his time at CinemaCon to push studios to invest more in original storytelling, warning that an over-reliance on familiar franchises could harm audiences.
“If everything we do is known, as intellectual property, we’re going to run out of gas,” he said. “There is nothing more important than giving audiences visual stories, and they can take any form, but we need to tell more original stories. »
The event also included a personal milestone for the director, who received the unique MPA America250 Award.
In response to this recognition, Spielberg said emotionally: “I promise you it won’t be my last.”
