Steven Spielberg is gearing up to unveil his latest extraterrestrial sci-fi project, and his latest remarks about the film suggest it may hit closer to home than audiences expect.
Speaking at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, the director said the movie will be “more truth than fiction,” adding that it will leave audiences with answers, but also a few lingering questions. He also used the moment to urge studios to keep films in theaters longer and invest more in original storytelling.
Steven Spielberg Reveals ‘Disclosure Day’ Is ‘More Truth Than Fiction’
Spielberg has built a decades-long reputation as one of Hollywood’s most influential filmmakers, with a catalog that spans everything from historical dramas to sci-fi classics. Now, the director is returning to extraterrestrial storytelling with his latest project, “Disclosure Day.”
Set to hit theaters in June, the film has become one of the most anticipated releases of 2026. Speaking at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Spielberg offered an early preview that has got people talking.
While he’s no stranger to the genre, the director made it clear this project takes a different approach. He described the film as “more truth than fiction,” suggesting it may lean heavily on real-world ideas, or at least widely discussed theories about extraterrestrial life, rather than pure imagination.
The Director Told Fans What To Expect From His New Movie
In his CinemaCon speech, Spielberg also revealed what drew him back to extraterrestrial storytelling for the first time in more than two decades.
The filmmaker pointed to a 2017 New York Times report detailing U.S. military pilots’ encounters with unidentified flying objects, noting that similar sightings have only grown more frequent since his last sci-fi outing, “War of the Worlds.”
Spielberg stopped short of revealing plot details, but made it clear the film isn’t aiming for tidy answers. “I really, truly believe this movie is going to answer questions,” he told attendees, before adding, “And this movie is also going to cause you to ask a lot of questions.”
“All you need to get from the beginning to the end is a seat belt,” he continued.
Ahead of its June debut, both a teaser and a full-length trailer have already been released for “Disclosure Day.” However, attendees at CinemaCon were also shown exclusive new footage that has not yet been made public.
The clip centers on Emily Blunt, who plays a local meteorologist. In the middle of a broadcast, her delivery abruptly falters before shifting into a string of unintelligible sounds, leaving those watching visibly unsettled.
Blunt is joined by a stacked cast that also includes Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, and Colman Domingo.
Spielberg Wants Studios To Keep Films In The Theater For Longer
As a veteran filmmaker, Spielberg had more on his mind at CinemaCon than just promoting his latest project. He also used the moment to speak about preserving the theatrical experience that once defined how audiences engaged with films.
The director argued that movies should remain in theaters for longer stretches before moving to home platforms, praising efforts to extend exclusive windows. He pointed to moves by Universal Pictures leadership, specifically Donna Langley, to push theatrical runs out to around 45 days.
“Audiences will find what they want to watch, whether the films are big or small, but studios need to help us by greatly expanding the exclusive windows like Donna just did,” Spielberg said, per Variety.
Steven Spielberg Calls For More Original Movies
Spielberg also used his time at CinemaCon to push studios toward investing more in original storytelling, warning that an overreliance on familiar franchises could wear thin with audiences.
“If all we make is known, branded IP, we’re going to run out of gas,” he said. “There is nothing more important than giving the audience visual stories, and they can be in any form, but we need to tell more original stories.”
The event also included a personal milestone for the director, who was honored with the one-time MPA America250 Award.
Responding to the recognition, Spielberg emotionally said, “I promise you this will not be my last.”