How a James Bond rejection led Spielberg to Indiana Jones

Steven Spielberg has revealed that his long-standing ambition to direct a James Bond film was thwarted not once, but twice by the franchise’s legendary producer, Albert R Broccoli.

Speaking on the podcast ‘The Rest Is Entertainment’, the Oscar-winning filmmaker recalled how he approached Broccoli after the success of ‘Jaws’ in 1975, hoping to join one of cinema’s most enduring franchises.

Spielberg said he had been fascinated by Bond films since watching ‘Dr No’ and believed directing a 007 adventure would be a natural next step in his career. However, his offer was swiftly declined.