Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg reaffirmed his commitment to cinema during a dedication ceremony for a new theater named in his honor at Universal Studios Hollywood this week. At 78, the iconic director made headlines with a bold declaration:
“I’m making a lot of movies and I have no plans… ever… to retire.”
The event marked the unveiling of the Universal/Spielberg Theater, honoring his decades-long association with Universal and his contributions to global cinema. Spielberg, known for blockbusters like Jaws, E.T., and Jurassic Park, used the occasion to share his enduring passion for storytelling.
A Western Dream and Sci-Fi Future
Spielberg also expressed his desire to tackle a genre he’s never explored:
“The one genre that has eluded me all these decades is the Western… and I still plan to make one.”
Meanwhile, he’s already deep into development on an untitled science fiction film written by longtime collaborator David Koepp, set to star Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, and Eve Hewson, with a summer 2026 release targeted.
On AI in Filmmaking
Spielberg took a firm stance on artificial intelligence, drawing a “line in the sand” regarding its use:
“I’m completely against AI in front of the camera. It’s a betrayal of the human spirit in storytelling.”
While open to AI for behind-the-scenes logistics like budgeting, Spielberg dismissed the idea of AI-generated performances or direction, insisting that human creativity must remain at the core of cinema.
A Generation That Won’t Quit
Spielberg’s remarks echo a broader trend among his contemporaries. Fellow “Movie Brat” legends like Martin Scorsese (82), Ridley Scott (87), and Francis Ford Coppola (86) also continue to helm major projects, defying industry norms around retirement.
As Spielberg prepares for his next creative ventures, it’s clear that one of cinema’s greatest architects is still far from his final act.
