Steven Spielberg was once set to direct the science fiction film Interstellar, a project that ultimately became a hallmark of Christopher Nolan‘s career. This near-collaboration took place years before the 2014 release, demonstrating how different the movie could have been if Spielberg had remained attached to the project. The story of Interstellar, known for blending mind-bending scientific ideas with an emotional narrative, highlights the significance of the directorial shift from Spielberg to Nolan.
Why Steven Spielberg Stepped Away from Directing Interstellar
The concept for Interstellar originated in 2006, with producer Linda Obst spearheading the development and bringing in renowned physicist Kip Thorne to ensure scientific accuracy. Obst initially approached Steven Spielberg to direct the film, a logical choice given his established legacy in science fiction with classics like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Spielberg had the opportunity to create a more mature science fiction story with Interstellar, fitting into the serious tone he had embraced in his later career.
Jonathan Nolan’s Early Involvement Under Spielberg’s Vision
Spielberg was responsible for bringing Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan’s brother, into the project in 2007. Jonathan was enlisted to work on Obst’s initial story treatment, driven by Spielberg’s vision of
a film about space exploration that was grounded in good physics and set in a contemporary kind of moment,
Jonathan Nolan told IndieWire in 2014. Initially, Jonathan was skeptical about the film’s premise and timelines, jokingly remarking,
It’s going to be 15 minutes long, because we’re not f***ing going.
Despite his doubts, Jonathan continued developing the script, and by 2008, a first full draft was completed. This early version of the story diverged significantly from the final film seen in 2014 under Christopher Nolan’s direction.
Spielberg’s departure from the project was influenced by company deals that prevented him from staying on as director. This led to Christopher Nolan stepping in, and under his guidance, Interstellar evolved into the epic familiar to audiences today. The shift in filmmakers not only changed the film’s stylistic approach but also deepened its emotional and cerebral elements.
The near-involvement of Steven Spielberg in directing Interstellar serves as a fascinating “what if” in cinema history. Had Spielberg remained at the helm, the film’s texture and narrative might have leaned more heavily into classic sci-fi adventure. Instead, Christopher Nolan’s direction brought a unique blend of visual spectacle and scientific intrigue that continues to fascinate viewers and inspire discussions about space exploration and human perseverance.
