Steven Spielberg Reflects on Passing Interstellar to Christopher Nolan

Steven Spielberg has shared new details about his early involvement in Interstellar, explaining why he ultimately stepped away from the project that was later directed by Christopher Nolan.

In an interview with Empire Magazine published in April 2026, Spielberg said he spent about a year developing the science fiction film after being approached by producer Lynda Obst and physicist Kip Thorne. During that time, he immersed himself in the scientific aspects of the story, including visiting NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena to work with engineers and researchers.

Spielberg also revealed that he hired Jonathan Nolan to write the first two drafts of the screenplay. Despite being deeply interested in the film’s concepts, he said the project “didn’t stick” creatively.

According to Spielberg, Jonathan Nolan had anticipated the eventual change in director. He recalled Nolan telling him that if he chose not to continue, his brother Christopher Nolan would likely take over. Spielberg said that once he officially exited the project, Christopher Nolan joined almost immediately.

Looking back, Spielberg expressed no regret about stepping aside. He said Interstellar turned out to be “a much better movie” under Christopher Nolan’s direction, praising his ability to build on the early drafts and develop the film’s themes, particularly around time and relativity.

Earlier versions of the script suggest Spielberg’s take on the film would have differed in several ways. The character Murph was originally written as a boy, the story included a more prominent romantic subplot between Cooper and Amelia Brand, and there was a “space race” element involving Chinese astronauts competing to reach the wormhole first.

Spielberg is now focused on his upcoming science fiction film, Disclosure Day, which is scheduled for release on June 12, 2026.