Although he tries not to reveal too much about the film, Koepp, who previously worked with Spielberg on War of the Worlds and Jurassic Park, tells The Playlist that The Dish is sci-fi, and reminiscent of the the filmmaker’s older films:
“Yes, it is like a sci-fi… Well, I don’t know. I’m not supposed to say. But, yes, it is. It does harken back to maybe a different tone than [what he’s done lately]. Something he used to do that he hasn’t done for a little bit.”
Let’s hope that’s the case. These last 10 years, Spielberg’s directed Bridge of Spies, The Post, Ready Player One, West Side Story, and The Fabelmans. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a few strong films in there, but it’ll be great having Spielberg go back to what he does best.
The Dish is supposed to start production this coming February in New Jersey and Atlanta. The cast so far includes Josh O’Connor, Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo, Wyatt Russell and Eve Hewson. Spielberg’s go-to DP Janusz Kamiński will be cinematographer on the film.
The Dish, based off an original story concocted by Spielberg, was written by Koepp, and is said to involve UFOs; it’s been described as a “two-hander,” with Blunt playing the lead character. Other than that, plot details have been kept under wraps.
Universal has dated the film for May 15, 2026, which means it’s set to be Spielberg’s first adult-oriented summer movie since 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skull.
