Spielberg found an unexpected boon for his project when President Barack Obama publicly discussed his belief in aliens on Brian Tyler Cohen's No Lie podcast. Obama initially stated, "They're real, but I haven't seen them," clarifying they are "not being kept in Area 51." Spielberg, speaking with panel host Sean Fennessey, reacted with palpable enthusiasm, stating, "When President Obama made that comment, I thought, 'Oh my God, this is so great for Disclosure Day.'"
This wasn't just about marketing; it tapped into a belief Spielberg has held since childhood. He explained that Obama "said what he believed in was life in the cosmos, which, of course, everybody should believe in, because no one should ever think that we are the only intelligent civilization in the entire universe." This sentiment echoes the director's enduring fascination, having noted he was "reinvigorated" to make his first UFO movie in nearly five decades after a 2017 New York Times article detailed the Pentagon's UFO program. Spielberg went on to say, "I have a very strong sneaking suspicion that we are not alone here on Earth right now."
Despite his deep dive into alien lore on screen, Spielberg himself admitted to a touch of cosmic FOMO. He lamented that he has never had an extraterrestrial experience, unlike "half my friends" who claim to have seen UFOs. "I haven't. I made a movie called Close Encounters of the Third Kind. I haven't even had a close encounter of the first or second kind. Where's the justice of that?" he quipped, showcasing his signature blend of humor and genuine curiosity.
Beyond the cosmic, Spielberg also teased other upcoming projects. During the same SXSW panel, he mentioned developing a "kick ass" Western film, a genre that has "eluded [him] for decades," according to Variety. While details are scarce, he hopes to shoot the film in Texas, perhaps a playful nod to the Austin audience. Disclosure Day is scheduled to hit theaters on June 12.
Steven Spielberg is developing *Disclosure Day*, a film centered on a cybersecurity administrator who exposes a government cover-up of extraterrestrial activity. Spielberg was inspired to create the film after a 2017 *New York Times* article detailed the Pentagon's UFO program, marking his return to the alien genre after nearly five decades.
Spielberg was thrilled by Barack Obama's comments about the existence of aliens because he felt it was beneficial for his upcoming film, *Disclosure Day*. Obama initially stated that aliens are real, though not kept in Area 51, which Spielberg saw as validating the broader conversation about life in the cosmos.
Spielberg has maintained a strong belief in extraterrestrial life since childhood, suspecting that humanity is not alone on Earth right now. This conviction has fueled his interest in exploring UFOs and alien-related themes in his films, including *Disclosure Day*.
Yes, Obama later clarified his initial comments about aliens, stating that while the universe is vast, the chances of alien visits are low, and he saw no evidence of contact during his presidency. However, Spielberg still found value in Obama's underlying belief in cosmic life as a powerful narrative force.
Steven Spielberg on Making a Western and Obama's Alien Comments - Variety
Steven Spielberg on UFOs: “I Have a Strong Suspicion We’re Not Alone on Earth Right Now” - The Hollywood Reporter
Steven Spielberg Issues Timothée Chalamet Dig, Teases Western In Development & Upcoming ‘Disclosure Day,’ Gives His Take On Existence Of Alien Life At SXSW - Deadline
Steven Spielberg says Barack Obamas alien comments are so great for Disclosure DayMore insights on trending topics and technology
